How Foods Affect Blood Glucose

People living with type 2 Diabetes have to be particularly careful about monitoring their blood glucose levels and keeping them as stable as possible. Knowing how foods affect blood glucose helps to avoid damaging, dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, as well as avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

The regularity of meal times can be a significant help in controlling blood glucose and in ensuring a stable release of glucose into the bloodstream over the course of a day. If this is not considered in the preparation and timing of meals, type 2 diabetics run the risk of largely irregular doses of glucose being absorbed into their blood which can lead to health problems and can cause severe disruption to daily life.

Glucose levels are highest just after meals and then decrease thereafter. Eating regularly and choosing certain types of food can help to keep the release of glucose fairly steady and avoid severely elevated blood sugar levels, or "spikes".

The choice of foods effects your glucose levels differently, depending on what you choose. Foods with high amounts of carbohydrates have the most effect on blood glucose levels, particularly starches such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and corn, and in fruit and sweets. Carbohydrates are a part of a healthy diet and provide important nutrition, but the types of carbohydrates chosen will make a different in how well controlled your blood sugar levels are. The glycemic index is one tool people use to choose foods that are more appropriate for a diabetic diet.

To manage blood sugar levels, diabetics should try to consume around the same amount of carbohydrates daily. Portions should be carefully regulated and balanced, since too large a portion of carbohydrates tends to result in higher sugar levels after meals.

Fat in foods slows down digestion and therefore the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels seem lower after fatty meals and higher a while later. Because heart disease and kidney problems are a greater risk for people with type 2 diabetes, look for healthy fats, such as those found in fish, to introduce into your diet and avoid foods with high-fat and saturated fat content. Lean protein is also important to your dietary nutrition but has very little effect on blood glucose levels in the body.

Knowing how foods affect blood glucose will help you choose healthy and nutritious foods to include in your meal plans. This, in combination with a daily routine that includes medication and exercise, will help keep your blood glucose levels well under control.