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Blood sugar control is important for people with diabetes since uncontrolled blood sugar levels can have life-threatening consequences. Therefore one must be familiar with the foods that lower blood sugar instantly. With low insulin levels, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a life-threatening situation.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of DKA:
- Breathing problems
- a fruity odor in the mouth
- nausea and vomiting
- an extremely dry mouth
If you’re not sure what to do, call your doctor for instructions on how to administer insulin and whether or not to go to the emergency room. This article discusses foods that lower blood sugar instantly, when to go to the ER or visit a doctor, and how to manage high blood sugar.
What blood sugar level is considered dangerous?
Because blood sugar control is a critical issue for millions of people, it helps to know what blood sugar level is considered dangerous. Blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL or higher, according to the University of Michigan, can be harmful. If you have two readings of 300 or more in succession, they recommend seeing a doctor. High blood sugar levels (far above 300 mg/dL) can lead to coma in severe cases.
What does it mean to have a high blood sugar level?
Blood sugar levels in people with diabetes are deemed high whenever they exceed the prescribed 120 mg/dL; however, a blood sugar of 145 mg/dL is usually not an issue (especially if you’re going to sleep or exercising). When blood sugar levels approach 180-200 mg/dL, elevated blood sugars become symptomatic for most people.
What does it mean to have a low blood sugar level?
Low blood sugar is anything less than 80 mg/dL for the average diabetic (low blood sugar is defined as anything less than 60 mg/dL for pregnant women who require stricter management).
Blood sugar levels below 40 mg/dL are considered very low. Anything less than 40 mg/dL is extremely risky and may be deadly. If a person’s blood sugar does not rise beyond 40 mg/dL for several hours, they are at an increased risk of going into a diabetic coma. If a person has a severely low blood sugar level and cannot chew meals or swallow liquids, an emergency dose of Glucagon is required (typically in the thigh muscle or buttocks).
List of foods that lower blood sugar
Diet is an important aspect of maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels for prediabetes, diabetes, or other disorders that affect blood sugar. So the knowledge of foods that lower blood sugar instantly, or at least quickly, is very important.
Although other factors such as body weight, activity, stress, and genetics play a part in blood sugar regulation, eating a nutritious diet is essential. While some foods, such as those high in added sugar and refined carbohydrates, might cause blood sugar fluctuations, others can help you control your blood sugar while improving your overall health.
Some foods that lower blood sugar and helps healthy blood sugar levels are:
1. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts
Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate that helps to lower blood sugar levels. When broccoli is chopped or chewed, a reaction between glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate molecule, and the enzyme myrosinase, concentrated in broccoli, produces this plant chemical. Sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract has been proven to have substantial anti-diabetic effects in test tubes, animals, and humans, helping to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar and oxidative stress markers.
2. Fish and seafood
Seafood, such as fish and shellfish, is an excellent source of protein, good fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may aid in blood sugar regulation. Protein is necessary for blood sugar regulation. It aids digestion and minimizes blood sugar surges after meals, as well as increases feelings of fullness. It may also aid in the prevention of overeating and the reduction of extra body fat, both of which are necessary for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels.
3. Nut butter and nuts
In various studies, nuts have proven to be an effective way to help manage blood sugar levels. A study of 25 persons with type 2 diabetes found that eating peanuts and almonds throughout the day as part of a low-carb diet decreased blood sugar levels both during fasting and post-meals. Learn more about the Natural Helps for Type 2 Diabetes from our blog.
4. Okra
Okra is a fruit that is frequently used as a vegetable. It’s high in polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants, which help reduce blood sugar levels. Because of their significant blood-sugar-lowering qualities, okra seeds have long been utilized in Turkey as a natural cure for diabetes.
5. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are high in fiber and good fats, and their health advantages are well known. Flax seeds, in particular, may help lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, research indicated that ingesting whole flax seeds improved blood sugar control significantly.
6. Lentils and beans
Beans and lentils are high in magnesium, fiber, and protein, which can help reduce blood sugar levels. They’re high in soluble fiber and resistant starch, which aid digestion and may enhance blood sugar response after meals.
7. Kimchi and sauerkraut
Fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, are high in health-promoting elements, including probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants, and have been linked to better blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. A study of 41 diabetics found that following a typical Korean diet rich in fermented foods like kimchi for 12 weeks resulted in lower HbA1c levels.
8. Chia seeds
Consumption of chia seeds may aid with blood sugar control. Chia seed eating has lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. Chia seeds may enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control and potentially reduce illness risk, including diabetes risk, according to an analysis of 17 animal studies published in 2020.
9. Kale
Kale is frequently referred to as a “superfood,” and for a good reason. It’s high in fiber and flavonoid antioxidants, two chemicals that may help lower blood sugar levels. According to studies, the flavonoid antioxidants found in kale, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have powerful blood sugar-lowering and insulin-sensitizing properties. Kale is rich in potassium and magnesium (both on the list of nutrients needed to lower hypertension) plus it has lots of vitamin C and fiber.
10. Citrus fruits
Even though many citrus fruits are sweet, studies demonstrate that they may help lower blood sugar levels. Citrus fruits are low glycemic, meaning they don’t raise blood sugar levels as much as other fruits like watermelon and pineapple. Oranges and grapefruit are high in fiber and include plant chemicals such as naringenin, a polyphenol with potent anti-diabetic benefits.
The foods listed above that instantly lower blood sugar levels can help with sugar monitoring.