Blood Sugar Control Diet

Like an engine, your body performs better with a proper mixture of oxygen and fuel. Depending on air density, engines run better with either a lean or rich supply of high- or low-grade fuel. Likewise, the air you breathe and food (fuel) provides oxygen and healthy blood-sugar levels. This balance energizes your brain and body. Everybody, however, has different needs, and diets will vary. Here, you'll learn about the importance of controlling your blood-sugar levels through proper eating habits.

The Facts

When your body metabolizes food, it produces sugar ("glucose") and other nutrients that flow in your bloodstream and are eventually absorbed by your body cells. Your adrenal glands, liver, pituitary gland and pancreas (the pancreas produces insulin, a delivery agent) generally perform this process. But if you're eating the wrong foods, or if any of these organs malfunction, it may cause an imbalance in blood-sugar levels. In chronic conditions, this can be a form of diabetes.

Prevention/Solution

You can avoid or treat diabetes by controlling your diet. Aside from lifestyle, the foods you fuel your body with affect your health, energy, attitude and longevity. You can best control your blood sugar by planning and eating smaller meals throughout the day. Rather than eating three full meals, eat six smaller meals. This will spread blood-sugar levels more evenly. It is important, however, to choose foods that are most effective at either lowering or elevating blood-sugar levels, whichever you need.

Considerations

Carbohydrates (starch, sugar and dietary fiber) produce different sugar levels that are absorbed at different rates. It is important to know which foods have high, medium or low glycemic (glucose) loads. To know these factors, you can use a ranking system called the "glycemic index," which measures the glucose conversion of foods. The lower the load, the more balanced blood-sugar levels are. Higher glycemic loads trigger higher sugar levels, then sudden drops in energy (i.e. the quick sugar-fix). By studying a glycemic index, you can determine which foods to include in your diet.

Blood Sugar Chart

Another aid is to chart and monitor your blood-sugar levels and vital signs to ensure a balanced diet. The accompanying sample chart denotes your food intake, blood sugar levels, blood pressure readings and pulse rates. A list of preferred foods, a chart, an inexpensive blood-sugar tester and a blood-pressure device will help maintain a diet that controls blood sugar.

Warning

Diabetes is a serious condition. If you have signs of the disease, consult your physician immediately.