RELATED: 7 Healthy Meal Tips for People With Type 2 Diabetes. Poor or limited sleep affects body chemistry, and getting more slumber helps with blood sugar control, Weisenberger says.

Chronic lack of sleep may contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a small study published in Lack of sleep is also linked with other health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and stroke, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends aiming for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.

Carrying around extra weight is one of the main causes of insulin resistance , keeping the blood sugar—lowering hormone from working properly, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. And a study published in found modest weight loss — losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight — resulted in improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Staying hydrated is an easy way to stay in control of your blood sugar levels. One study found the more water study participants drank, the less likely they were to develop high blood sugar. More specifically, the study found people who drank less than ½ liter of water per day were at increased risk of developing blood sugar issues.

The idea is that water helps flush glucose out of the body. How can you burn off tension? Yoga and meditation can help people lower their blood sugar levels, Weisenberger says. A study involving 27 nursing students found a combination of yoga and meditation practiced for one hour once a week led to reduced levels of stress and lower blood glucose levels after 12 weeks.

Crandall also suggests taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk, playing with your pet for a few minutes, or listening to a fun song. Indeed, the CDC notes that less water in your body is linked with a higher blood sugar concentration. RELATED: Is Stress the Source of Your Blood Sugar Swings?

This is especially true for those who have diabetes. A high-protein breakfast has an edge over breakfasts that are high in carbohydrates, according to research from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

In the research, women ages 18 to 55 consumed meals with similar calories, fat , and fiber contents — but differing amounts of protein. The best breakfasts contained 39 g of protein and led to lower post-meal glucose spikes than the meals with less protein, the researchers found.

Besides, eating breakfast may help overweight people with type 2 diabetes shed extra pounds. Of the participants in the National Weight Control Registry who maintained at least a pound weight loss for at least one year, 78 percent said they eat breakfast daily.

And the effect will last through your next meal, Weisenberger says. Interestingly, resistant starch can change with heat, and some foods, like rice , are higher in resistant starch when cooked and cooled than when cooked and served warm, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Just be sure to keep carb count in mind when incorporating foods with resistant starch into your diet. Beckerman, MD , a cardiologist with Providence Heart Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Crandall tells patients that exercise is like spring cleaning for the body. Because exercise can immediately reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, work with your healthcare team to determine the right amount of activity and timing for you.

A study published in found exercising 30 minutes after the start of a meal is usually best for maintaining blood sugar controls. RELATED: 7 Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise When Managing Diabetes.

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Kacy Church, MD. Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oatmeal Smoothie Unlike most smoothies, this one is as filling as a meal.

contains Soy , Peanuts. SERVES 1. CALORIES PER SERVING AUTHOR Kelly Kennedy, RDN. REVIEWED BY Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES. Print Download Pinterest. PREP TIME 5 min. Ingredients 1½ cups plain, unsweetened soy milk or milk of your choice. Directions 1 Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

The American Diabetes Association ADA recommends screening for all people 45 and up and testing blood sugar earlier in those at higher risk for diabetes. You can assess your individual risk using an online tool provided by the ADA, answering questions about risk factors ranging from age and immediate family history of diabetes to activity level and race.

For example, with a fasting blood sugar test, anything below milligrams per deciliter is considered healthy. A result of 5. For more about testing, see Your Prediabetes Questions Answered.

Many with diabetes who rely on insulin to help with blood sugar control use continuous glucose monitors — wearable devices that provide ongoing data on blood sugar — to track their levels.

It could be any form of exercise, said Minna Woo, M. To optimize the benefits, consider taking that walk after you eat. Research suggests exercising 30 minutes after a meal may be optimal to help with blood glucose control.

Privacy Policy. Doctors and dietitians who regularly work with patients who have diabetes can help a person with prediabetes create a road map for getting blood sugar back in a healthy range. Target Optical. Obvious blood sugar spikers like cookies and cake should be consumed in moderation.

In particular, go easy on all those processed carbs. That includes things like bread, pasta, noodles and white rice. It might be tempting to try supplements, such as vitamin D, omega-3s and berberine, in hopes of lowering blood glucose.

This is used to rate foods containing carbohydrates by how quickly they can cause blood sugar to rise. The scale starts at zero and goes up to for pure sugar.

The glycemic index was designed as a research tool. A balanced diet that cuts carbs could help with weight loss — which itself is protective against diabetes — and quickly bring blood sugar back into a healthy range, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open.

This macronutrient, like the others — protein and fat — has a place in a healthy diet. Try to have more foods like quinoa or farro and fewer processed carbs.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Vegetables like lentils, nuts and fruits, especially those with edible skin, such as apples and pears, and edible seeds including berries are good sources of fiber, according to the ADA.

Instead, understand where they fit on your plate. Conversely, not getting at least seven hours of shut-eye nightly is associated with insulin resistance, according to a review of research. Plus, being sleep-deprived can make it harder to handle stress, which also contributes to the stew of toxic hormones like cortisol linked to insulin resistance.

Think about being overtired and overstressed. She adds that when more insulin is produced, in response, that increases hunger and you eat more calories.

Here are some tips to put the spiral to bed. A paper published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition summarizing data from about a dozen studies found that tucking into at least half a cup of the dairy dessert per week was associated with a 19 percent decrease in diabetes risk even higher than the 14 percent risk reduction seen with yogurt.

That is to say, for instance, people who are healthy and already at lower risk for developing diabetes might have felt more at ease having rocky road, while those who were already at higher risk for developing the chronic disease might have had less. Mark Pereira, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, has long wrestled with the ice cream—diabetes risk reduction correlation in his own research.

So, for now at least, experts still suggest savoring ice cream in moderation — and not for prevention. Michael Schroeder is a freelance health writer and editor who's covered everything from chronic disease and mental health to medication side effects.

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Prepare to Care Guides How to Develop a Caregiving Plan. End of Life How to Cope With Grief, Loss. Diabetes management takes awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors.

When you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare professional. But many things can make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes quickly. Find out some of the factors that can affect blood sugar.

Then learn what you can do to manage them. Healthy eating is important for everyone. But when you have diabetes, you need to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat. It's also how much you eat and the types of food you combine in meals and snacks.

Learn about planning balanced meals. A healthy-eating plan includes knowing what to eat and how much to eat. Two common ways to plan meals are carbohydrate counting and the plate method. Ask your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if either type of meal planning is right for you.

Understand carbohydrate counting. Counting carbs involves keeping track of how many grams of carbohydrates you eat and drink during the day. If you take diabetes medicine called insulin at mealtimes, it's important to know the amount of carbohydrates in foods and drinks.

That way, you can take the right dose of insulin. Among all foods, carbs often have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels. That's because the body breaks them down into sugar, which raises blood sugar levels.

Some carbs are better for you than others. For example, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are full of nutrients.

They have fiber that helps keep blood sugar levels more stable too. Eat fewer refined, highly processed carbs. These include white bread, white rice, sugary cereal, cakes, cookies, candy and chips. Get to know the plate method. This type of meal planning is simpler than counting carbs.

The plate method helps you eat a healthy balance of foods and control portion sizes. Use a 9-inch plate. Fill half of the plate with nonstarchy vegetables. Examples include lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes and green beans. Divide the other half of the plate into two smaller, equal sections. You might hear these smaller sections called quarters.

In one quarter of the plate, place a lean protein. Examples include fish, beans, eggs, and lean meat and poultry. On the other quarter, place healthy carbohydrates such as fruits and whole grains. Be mindful of portion sizes. Learn what portion size is right for each type of food.

Everyday objects can help you remember. For example, one serving of meat or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of cheese is about the size of six grapes.

And a serving of cooked pasta or rice is about the size of a fist. You also can use measuring cups or a scale to help make sure you get the right portion sizes.

Balance your meals and medicines. If you take diabetes medicine, it's important to balance what you eat and drink with your medicine.

Too little food in proportion to your diabetes medicine — especially insulin — can lead to dangerously low blood sugar. This is called hypoglycemia. Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to climb too high. This is called hyperglycemia. Talk to your diabetes health care team about how to best coordinate meal and medicine schedules.

Limit sugary drinks. Sugar-sweetened drinks tend to be high in calories and low in nutrition. They also cause blood sugar to rise quickly. So it's best to limit these types of drinks if you have diabetes. The exception is if you have a low blood sugar level. Sugary drinks can be used to quickly raise blood sugar that is too low.

These drinks include regular soda, juice and sports drinks. Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. When you move and get active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy.

Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin better. These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts.

But even light activities can improve your blood sugar level. Light activities include housework, gardening and walking. Talk to your healthcare professional about an exercise plan. Ask your healthcare professional what type of exercise is right for you.

In general, most adults should get at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. That includes activities that get the heart pumping, such as walking, biking and swimming.

Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day on most days of the week. Most adults also should aim to do strength-building exercise 2 to 3 times a week. If you haven't been active for a long time, your healthcare professional may want to check your overall health first.

Then the right balance of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise can be recommended. Keep an exercise schedule. Ask your healthcare professional about the best time of day for you to exercise.

That way, your workout routine is aligned with your meal and medicine schedules. Know your numbers. Talk with your healthcare professional about what blood sugar levels are right for you before you start exercise.

Check your blood sugar level. Also talk with your healthcare professional about your blood sugar testing needs. If you don't take insulin or other diabetes medicines, you likely won't need to check your blood sugar before or during exercise.

But if you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, testing is important. Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise. Many diabetes medicines lower blood sugar.

So does exercise, and its effects can last up to a day later. The risk of low blood sugar is greater if the activity is new to you. The risk also is greater if you start to exercise at a more intense level. Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar. These include feeling shaky, weak, tired, hungry, lightheaded, irritable, anxious or confused.

See if you need a snack. Have a small snack before you exercise if you use insulin and your blood sugar level is low. The snack you have before exercise should contain about 15 to 30 grams of carbs.

Or you could take 10 to 20 grams of glucose products. This helps prevent a low blood sugar level. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other fluids while exercising.

Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels. Be prepared. Always have a small snack, glucose tablets or glucose gel with you during exercise. You'll need a quick way to boost your blood sugar if it drops too low.

Carry medical identification too. In case of an emergency, medical identification can show others that you have diabetes. It also can show whether you take diabetes medicine such as insulin. Medical IDs come in forms such as cards, bracelets and necklaces. Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed.

If you take insulin, you may need to lower your insulin dose before you exercise. You also may need to watch your blood sugar level closely for several hours after intense activity. That's because low blood sugar can happen later on.

Your healthcare professional can advise you how to correctly make changes to your medicine. You also may need to adjust your treatment if you've increased how often or how hard you exercise. Insulin and other diabetes medicines are designed to lower blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone don't help enough.

How well these medicines work depends on the timing and size of the dose. Medicines you take for conditions other than diabetes also can affect your blood sugar levels. Store insulin properly.

Medicines you take for conditions other than diabetes also can affect your blood sugar levels. Store insulin properly. Insulin that is not stored properly or is past its expiration date may not work.

Keep insulin away from extreme heat or cold. Don't store it in the freezer or in direct sunlight. Tell your healthcare professional about any medicine problems. If your diabetes medicines cause your blood sugar level to drop too low, the dosage or timing may need to be changed. Your healthcare professional also might adjust your medicine if your blood sugar stays too high.

Be cautious with new medicines. Talk with your healthcare team or pharmacist before you try new medicines. That includes medicines sold without a prescription and those prescribed for other medical conditions. Ask how the new medicine might affect your blood sugar levels and any diabetes medicines you take.

Sometimes a different medicine may be used to prevent dangerous side effects. Or a different medicine might be used to prevent your current medicine from mixing poorly with a new one.

With diabetes, it's important to be prepared for times of illness. When you're sick, your body makes stress-related hormones that help fight the illness. But those hormones also can raise your blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and usual activity also may affect your blood sugar level.

Plan ahead. Work with your healthcare team to make a plan for sick days. Include instructions on what medicines to take and how to adjust your medicines if needed. Also note how often to measure your blood sugar.

Ask your healthcare professional if you need to measure levels of acids in the urine called ketones. Your plan also should include what foods and drinks to have, and what cold or flu medicines you can take. Know when to call your healthcare professional too. For example, it's important to call if you run a fever over degrees Fahrenheit Keep taking your diabetes medicine.

But call your healthcare professional if you can't eat because of an upset stomach or vomiting. In these situations, you may need to change your insulin dose.

If you take rapid-acting or short-acting insulin or other diabetes medicine, you may need to lower the dose or stop taking it for a time. These medicines need to be carefully balanced with food to prevent low blood sugar. But if you use long-acting insulin, do not stop taking it.

During times of illness, it's also important to check your blood sugar often. Stick to your diabetes meal plan if you can.

Eating as usual helps you control your blood sugar. Keep a supply of foods that are easy on your stomach. These include gelatin, crackers, soups, instant pudding and applesauce.

Drink lots of water or other fluids that don't add calories, such as tea, to make sure you stay hydrated. If you take insulin, you may need to sip sugary drinks such as juice or sports drinks.

These drinks can help keep your blood sugar from dropping too low. It's risky for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol. Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar shortly after you drink it and for hours afterward.

The liver usually releases stored sugar to offset falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is processing alcohol, it may not give your blood sugar the needed boost.

Get your healthcare professional's OK to drink alcohol. With diabetes, drinking too much alcohol sometimes can lead to health conditions such as nerve damage.

But if your diabetes is under control and your healthcare professional agrees, an occasional alcoholic drink is fine. Women should have no more than one drink a day. Men should have no more than two drinks a day. One drink equals a ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.

Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, eat before you drink alcohol. This helps prevent low blood sugar. Or drink alcohol with a meal.

Choose your drinks carefully. Light beer and dry wines have fewer calories and carbohydrates than do other alcoholic drinks. If you prefer mixed drinks, sugar-free mixers won't raise your blood sugar. Some examples of sugar-free mixers are diet soda, diet tonic, club soda and seltzer.

Add up calories from alcohol. If you count calories, include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily count. Ask your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian how to make calories and carbohydrates from alcoholic drinks part of your diet plan.

Check your blood sugar level before bed. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels long after you've had your last drink. So check your blood sugar level before you go to sleep. The snack can counter a drop in your blood sugar.

Changes in hormone levels the week before and during periods can lead to swings in blood sugar levels. Look for patterns. Keep careful track of your blood sugar readings from month to month.

You may be able to predict blood sugar changes related to your menstrual cycle. Your healthcare professional may recommend changes in your meal plan, activity level or diabetes medicines. These changes can make up for blood sugar swings.

Check blood sugar more often. If you're likely nearing menopause or if you're in menopause, talk with your healthcare professional.

Ask whether you need to check your blood sugar more often. Also, be aware that menopause and low blood sugar have some symptoms in common, such as sweating and mood changes. So whenever you can, check your blood sugar before you treat your symptoms.

That way you can confirm whether your blood sugar is low. Most types of birth control are safe to use when you have diabetes. But combination birth control pills may raise blood sugar levels in some people. It's very important to take charge of stress when you have diabetes.

The hormones your body makes in response to prolonged stress may cause your blood sugar to rise. It also may be harder to closely follow your usual routine to manage diabetes if you're under a lot of extra pressure.

Take control. Once you know how stress affects your blood sugar level, make healthy changes. Learn relaxation techniques, rank tasks in order of importance and set limits. Whenever you can, stay away from things that cause stress for you. Exercise often to help relieve stress and lower your blood sugar.

Get help. Learn new ways to manage stress. You may find that working with a psychologist or clinical social worker can help. These professionals can help you notice stressors, solve stressful problems and learn coping skills.

The more you know about factors that have an effect on your blood sugar level, the better you can prepare to manage diabetes. If you have trouble keeping your blood sugar in your target range, ask your diabetes healthcare team for help.

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Leaving AARP. org Website. Continue Cancel. How to bring your A1C back to a healthy range and avoid type 2 diabetes. Plus, could ice cream help? Michael Schroeder,. En español. Published May 12, Getty Images. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn. VIDEO: Daily Habits That Could Raise Your Diabetes Risk.

See All Newsletters. Get professional help. View Details. Supplements for diabetes prevention It might be tempting to try supplements, such as vitamin D, omega-3s and berberine, in hopes of lowering blood glucose. What is the glycemic index? Become a Member. Get your daily recommended fiber The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes and those at risk for it eat at least 14 grams of fiber per 1, calories or 28 grams for a 2,calorie diet , following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for everyone.

Get fiber from a variety of foods Vegetables like lentils, nuts and fruits, especially those with edible skin, such as apples and pears, and edible seeds including berries are good sources of fiber, according to the ADA.

Can eating ice cream prevent diabetes? Therefore, people with diabetes may consider avoiding several types of bread. However, consuming whole grain foods has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes T2DM.

Some breads are a good way to consume whole grain foods. They have lower GI scores than regular whole wheat bread because the ingredients go through less processing.

Processing removes the fibrous outer shells of grains and cereals. Fiber slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. The researchers behind a small trial found that consuming less-processed grains led to an improvement in blood sugar levels for people with T2DM.

A separate small study involving 15 people with T2DM also found that the particle size of the whole grains in bread had an impact on blood sugar levels. The authors of a review looked at the effect of millets, which have a low GI score.

Except for pineapples and melons, fruits generally have low GI scores. This is because most fresh fruits contain lots of water and fiber to balance out their content of fructose, a naturally occurring sugar.

However, as fruits ripen, their GI scores increase. Fruit juices also typically have very high GI scores because juicing removes the fibrous skins and seeds. So, fresh fruit is preferable. A study that followed about half a million people in China for 7 years found that those who ate fresh fruit daily had lower rates of T2DM.

White potatoes have a high GI score. Sweet potatoes and yams have lower scores — although they are still relatively high — and are very nutritious. Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Health experts may recommend sweet potatoes as a suitable substitute for white potatoes in a variety of dishes, from fries to casseroles.

In addition to trying to include more sweet potatoes and yams, people may want to limit or avoid white potatoes and products typically made from them, such as french fries and mashed potatoes. Oats have a low GI score, which means they are less likely to cause spikes and dips in blood sugar levels.

The authors of a meta-analysis of trials looked at how beta-glucan affects blood sugar levels after a meal. They found evidence to suggest that carbohydrate -based meals that contain beta-glucan have a link to lower blood sugar levels than meals that do not contain beta-glucan.

Stone-ground and rolled oats are typically the preferable forms to consume. People may wish to limit other forms, such as processed oats, instant oats, and cereal bars. Nuts are very rich in dietary fiber and have low GI scores.

Nuts also contain high levels of plant protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and other nutrients, including:. The American Diabetes Association notes that nuts can be beneficial for diabetes and are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

As with other foods in this article, it is best to eat nuts that are as whole and as unprocessed as possible. Nuts with coatings or flavorings have higher GI scores than plain nuts.

Legumes , such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, have very low GI scores. Even baked beans, which are not as preferable, still have a low GI score. Legumes are also good sources of nutrients that can help people maintain healthy blood sugar levels, including:.

People with diabetes may wish to avoid legume products that contain added sugars and simple starches, such as legumes packaged in syrups, sauces, or marinades. Garlic is a popular component of traditional remedies for diabetes and a wide variety of other conditions. The compounds in garlic may help lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and secretion.

The authors of a review found that garlic supplements helped manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with T2DM.

Talk to your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. Your doctor may suggest the following:. Carbs in food make your blood sugar levels go higher after you eat them than when you eat proteins or fats.

You can still eat carbs if you have diabetes. The amount you can have and stay in your target blood sugar range depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Counting carbs in foods and drinks is an important tool for managing blood sugar levels.

Make sure to talk to your health care team about the best carb goals for you. The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months.

A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetes—important steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight , and getting regular physical activity can all help. Other tips include:.

Medicare , Medicaid, and most private insurance plans pay for the A1C test and fasting blood sugar test as well as some diabetes supplies. Check your plan or ask your health care team for help finding low-cost or free supplies, and see How to Save Money on Diabetes Care for more resources. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search.

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eCollection Bellini A, Nicolo A, Bazzucchi I, Sacchetti M. The Effects of Postprandial Walking on the Glucose Response after Meals with Different Characteristics. Published online Mar 4. Buffey AJ, Herring MP, Langley CK, Donnelly AE, et al. The Acute Effects of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting Time in Adults with Standing and Light-Intensity Walking on Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Health in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Sports Med. Epub Feb Bittel AJ, Bittel DC, Mittendorfer B, Patterson BW, et al. A single bout of premeal resistance exercise improves postprandial glucose metabolism in obese Men with prediabetes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Bellini A, Nicolo A, Bulzomi R, Bazzucchi I, et al.

The effect of different postprandial exercise types on glucose response to breakfast in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Published online Apr Pulse consumption improves indices of glycemic control in adults with and without type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of acute and long-term randomized controlled trials.

Eur J Nutr. Ramdath D, Renwick S, Duncan AM. The Role of Pulses in the Dietary Management of Diabetes. Can J Diabetes. Xiao K, Furutani A, Sasaki H, Takahashi M, et al. Effect of a high protein diet at breakfast on postprandial glucose level at dinner time in healthy adults.

Published online Dec Chen Z, Zuurmond MG, Van der Schaft N, Nano J, et al. Plant versus animal based diets and insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: the Rotterdam Study.

Eur J Epidemiol. Published online Jun 8. Park E, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B. Avocado Fruit on Postprandial Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk: A Randomized Controlled Dose Response Trial in Overweight and Obese Men and Women.

Journal of Diabetes Mellitus , 13, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Rohling M, Martin T, Wonnemann M, Kragl M, et al.

Determination of postprandial glycemic responses by continuous glucose monitoring in a real-world setting. Dimidi E, Cox SR, Rossi M, Whelan K. Fermented doods: Definitions and characteristics, impact on the gut microbiota and effects on gastrointestinal health and disease.

Published online Aug 5. Effects of diet, lifestyle, chrononutrition and alternative dietary interventions on postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance. Atkinson F, Cohen M, Lau K, Brand-Miller JC. Glycemic index and insulin index after a standard carbohydrate meal consumed with live kombucha: A randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Front Nutr. Paul AK, Lim CL, Apu MAI, Dolma KG, et al. Are fermented foods effective against inflammatory diseases? Int J Environ Res Public Health. American Heart Association.

Added sugars. How too much added sugar affects your health infographic. Added sugars drive insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Mo Med. Mathur K, Agrawal RK, Nagpure S, Deshpande D. Effect of artificial sweeteners on insulin resistance among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients. J Family Med Prim Care.

Published online Jan Bueno-Hernández N, Esquivel-Velázquez M, Alcántara-Suárez R, Gómez-Arauz A, et al. Chronic sucralose consumption induces elevation of serum insulin in young healthy adults: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial.

Nutr J. World Health Organization. WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline. American Diabetes Association.

Low Vitamin D May Contribute to Insulin Resistance. Hypervitaminosis D. Farahmand MA, Daneshzad E, Fung TT, Zahidi F. What is the impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control in people with type-2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails.

BMC Endocr Disord. Pittas AG, Kawahara T, Jorde R, Dawson-Hughes B, et al. Vitamin D and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in People With Prediabetes : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data From 3 Randomized Clinical Trials. Ann Intern Med.

Epub Feb 7. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Good hydration linked with longevity. Janbozorgi N, Allipour R, Djafarian K, Shab-Bidar S, et al. Water intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Diabetes Metab Syndr. Epub May Johnson EC, Bardis CN, Jansen LT, Adams JD, et al. Reduced water intake deteriorates glucose regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Nutr Res. Sedaghat G, Montazerifar F, Keykhaie MI, Karajibani M, et al. Effect of pre-meal water intake on the serum levels of Copeptin, glycemic control, lipid profile and anthropometric indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, controlled trial.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Wellness Nutrition. By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health.

Frequently seen on national TV, she's Health's contributing nutrition editor and counsels clients one-on-one through her virtual private practice. Cynthia is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics and has consulted for five professional sports teams, including five seasons with the New York Yankees.

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health's editorial guidelines. Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, RDN. Jamie Johnson, RDN, is the owner of the nutrition communications practice Ingraining Nutrition. learn more. In This Article View All. In This Article.

Eat Carbohydrates Last. Incorporate More Soluble Fiber Into Your Meals. Try Intermittent Fasting. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains. Go on a Walk After Meals. Practice Strength Training. Incorporate More Pulses Into Your Diet. Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast.

Eat More Avocado. Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor. Eat and Drink More Fermented Foods. Reduce Your Intake of Added Sugar. Reduce Sugar Substitutes. Consume More Vitamin D. Stay Hydrated. Trending Videos. The Best Foods High in Fiber.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Take the stairs, run errands on foot if possible , keep that promise to your dog to take them on a walk, and go for that weekend bike ride. Even taking a few minutes break to walk each day can add up. Aim for minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

In your effort to eat more quinoa, you might have forgotten about an oldie-but-goodie carb: barley. This whole grain is packed with fiber that tamps down your appetite and can help decrease blood sugar, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients.

Your gut bacteria interact with barley, which may, in turn, help your body metabolize glucose sugar. Besides, 1 cup of cooked barley, per the USDA , contains 6 grams of fiber, which helps to mute blood sugar spikes.

Don't be afraid to toss it in soups, on a roasted veggie salad, or have it as a side with fish or chicken. Exercise is a great way to boost your body's ability to manage blood sugar, but making sure it's a heart-pumping workout will help even more. Performing high-intensity interval training HIIT —like sprinting on the treadmill for 30 seconds, then walking or slowly jogging until you recover—improved blood glucose levels, particularly in people with impaired glucose, per a review in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

Muscles soak up glucose during exercise to burn for energy, and the higher-intensity movements may aid this process even more. Carbs plus protein or fat is a super combo when it comes to controlling blood sugar. The protein or fat you eat slows down digestion, thus buffering a blood sugar spike.

That's especially true if you have type 1 diabetes. That's the exact opposite of what you want to happen after you've eaten a meal. Next time you grab some fruit carb , pair it with a hard-boiled egg protein. A glass of orange juice is not the same as eating a whole orange.

Plus, you get more fiber from the whole fruit. For instance, there are about 4 grams in a large orange, compared to less than 1 gram in 8 ounces of juice. A small amount of juice is OK, but it shouldn't be your go-to beverage, she says. When you do drink it, make sure you're serving it up in an actual juice glass which might hold 4 ounces, for example rather than a large cup.

Dinner is done, but the dishes can wait: it's time to go for a stroll. A study published in Medical Science Monitor showed that participants with type 2 diabetes who walked for 20 minutes after dinner at a slow-moderate pace signficantly reduced their blood sugar levels.

The walk-it-off strategy is especially helpful after eating carb-heavy meals, particularly dinner, other research has found. Staying active improves insulin sensitivity and helps your cells remove glucose from your bloodstream. Get those walking shoes ready, it's only 10 minutes.

If the weather isn't cooperating, walk in place in front of the TV or stay active indoors by streaming a workout class. You know vegetables are good for you—but they're not all equal when it comes to carbs. A half-cup of starchy veggies, like peas, corn or squash, equals 15 grams of carbohydrates, Wylie-Rosett points out.

But nonstarchy veggies contain about half that, so you can eat much more of them while making less of an impact on blood sugar.

Everything in moderation is fine, but make your most-of-the-time choices the nonstarchy variety, like lettuce, cauliflower, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Here's another reason to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels: it could help you decrease your risk of diabetes. If you are deficient, supplementing with vitamin D and calcium can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Scientists think the sunshine vitamin might impact insulin resistance. Your doctor can tell you if you need a supplement or not; in the meantime, make sure you fill your diet with D-rich foods like sardines, wild or UV-exposed mushrooms, fortified milk and non-dairy milk.

Yes, sipping water can affect your blood sugar. But the important point is avoiding dehydration, says Wylie-Rosett. When you're dehydrated , sugars in your blood are more concentrated, and thus, your blood glucose levels are higher. But you don't need to glug a ton.

You should generally drink water when you're thirsty—whether you have blood sugar problems or not, says Wylie-Rosett. They're one super-portable food that you can pop in your mouth without worrying that they're doing something funky to your blood sugar levels.

When eaten alone or with meals, nuts can help keep blood sugar levels steady because they're packed with healthy fats and few carbs. For instance, an ounce of almonds contains calories and only 6 grams of carbs, per the USDA. Aim for five 1-ounce servings a week of nuts like pistachios, almonds and cashews.

Pictured Recipe: Pizza Pistachios. Ditch eating lunch in front of your computer or having dinner while watching TV at night, and make it a goal to eat more mindfully.

This practice means that you pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, stay present when you're eating and assess the emotional component of food. Bonus: Mindful eating can also help you deal with food cravings and prevent binge eating, two things that can spur weight gain.

To suss out exactly what you need, many insurance plans cover medical nutrition therapy, which pairs you up with a registered dietitian to create the best plan for your unique needs.

And remember, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet and staying active all go a long way in keeping your blood sugar under control. Use limited data to select advertising. Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it.

Low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible. Driving with low blood sugar can be dangerous, so be sure to check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel.

Carry supplies for treating low blood sugar with you. If you feel shaky, sweaty, or very hungry or have other symptoms, check your blood sugar. Wait for 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. If you have problems with low blood sugar, ask your doctor if your treatment plan needs to be changed.

Many things can cause high blood sugar hyperglycemia , including being sick, being stressed, eating more than planned, and not giving yourself enough insulin. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to long-term, serious health problems. Symptoms of high blood sugar include:. If you get sick , your blood sugar can be hard to manage.

You may not be able to eat or drink as much as usual, which can affect blood sugar levels. High ketones can be an early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Ketones are a kind of fuel produced when fat is broken down for energy.

When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up in your body and cause diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. DKA is very serious and can cause a coma or even death.

Common symptoms of DKA include:. If you think you may have DKA, test your urine for ketones. Follow the test kit directions, checking the color of the test strip against the color chart in the kit to see your ketone level. If your ketones are high, call your health care provider right away.

DKA requires treatment in a hospital. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. Your doctor may suggest the following:.

Carbs in food make your blood sugar levels go higher after you eat them than when you eat proteins or fats. You can still eat carbs if you have diabetes. The amount you can have and stay in your target blood sugar range depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors.

Counting carbs in foods and drinks is an important tool for managing blood sugar levels. Make sure to talk to your health care team about the best carb goals for you. The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months.

A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetes—important steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight , and getting regular physical activity can all help. Other tips include:. Medicare , Medicaid, and most private insurance plans pay for the A1C test and fasting blood sugar test as well as some diabetes supplies.