Your first dietary step toward a more balanced blood sugar level: ditching most of the packaged foods and focusing on high-quality whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains , beans, nuts, seeds, and quality meats and fish. Many processed foods are high in sugar, refined grains and carbs, and artificial ingredients and flavorings while being low in blood-sugar-stabilizing fiber and protein.

Of course, it's also important to be realistic. You're probably not going to be able to nix packaged foods completely, so just make a point to select those that are made from mostly whole-food ingredients, like an energy bar that lists just nuts, seeds, and dried fruit on its label.

Your minimally processed diet should be heavy in nonstarchy, fiber-rich vegetables and fiber-rich fruit and whole grains. That's because fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates 1 and the absorption of sugar, which means you experience a more gradual rise in your blood sugar level after meals.

Good sources of fiber include leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, artichokes, raspberries, pears, beans, lentils, peas, avocados, pumpkin seeds, and oatmeal.

Like fiber, protein tempers insulin secretion 2 , leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar after a meal. It also fills you up better than any other nutrient.

Eating a protein-rich breakfast is particularly important because it helps set the tone for the rest of the day. The amount of protein you need in your diet depends on a number of factors, but the general protein recommendation for healthy adults is 0.

Good animal sources include wild-caught fish , grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised chicken and eggs. If you're vegetarian or vegan, not to worry, we rounded up 54 sources of plant-based protein.

Like fiber and protein, fat buffers blood sugar spikes. In fact, unsaturated fats have been specifically linked to improved insulin resistance. Just be sure to avoid refined fats, including trans fats and processed vegetable oils , like corn, soybean, and safflower oils, which can be pro-inflammatory.

Sources of quality fats to consider adding to your diet include nuts, olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon.

Lowering your overall intake of carbohydrates can also be helpful for balanced blood sugar , but you don't need to cut them out completely they're still a crucial source of fuel for your body. Whenever possible, simply swap out refined carbohydrates like bread, white pasta, and candy for fiber-rich, whole-food sources such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruit, which contain a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for health.

Eating some protein, fiber, and healthy fat with each meal can help stabilize blood sugar and manage your appetite. Each of these nutrients helps balance blood sugar on its own, but they're even better together. We love a good kale salad topped with avocado and a protein of choice.

Greens powders are dried, powdered forms of various vegetables and fruits. Specialty greens blends will sometimes include prebiotic fibers too. These antioxidant-laden superfood plants and slow carbs are blood sugar-friendly.

If you struggle to stick with salads or you're looking to up your veggies game, then greens powders can help you deliver some greens goodness and help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

In fact, one study found that adding a vegetable powder to a high-carbohydrate diet helped buffer the short-term glucose and insulin response 3. A giant, late-night dinner is your blood sugar's worst enemy. That's because our bodies become more insulin resistant as the day goes on 4 —so a meal that you eat in the evening will cause a greater spike in blood sugar than a meal you eat in the morning.

Because of this, many nutrition experts advise front-loading your meals, or eating bigger meals earlier in the day and having a smaller dinner at least three hours before bed.

Both sleep deprivation and stress can cause elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood sugar. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and adopt stress-busting habits such as exercise, meditation, or yoga. One study found that nursing students who did meditation and yoga experienced lower blood sugar spikes 5 after meals.

Drinking water helps your kidneys flush out excess blood sugar through your urine. One study found that people who drank more water had a lower risk of developing hyperglycemia 6 high blood sugar. Can't seem to drink enough?

Or is water is just too plain for your taste buds? Try these other drinks for blood sugar balance. Your muscles need blood glucose for fuel, which means that when you do that strength training routine , you're helping move blood sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles where it's then burned up.

Over time, this can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level and increase insulin sensitivity 7 i. Intense exercise can temporarily raise blood sugar, so if you have poor blood sugar control, then it makes sense to start moderate think walking, jogging, or yoga , and then work your way up.

Swigging apple cider vinegar might not sound appealing, but it could help keep your blood sugar in balance if taken before you eat. Some research has found that consuming ACV reduced post-meal blood sugar levels by about half in healthy patients.

The theory is that acetic acid, a component of the vinegar, slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar in the bloodstream. Pro tip: Mix a tablespoon or two into a glass of water—taking it straight will burn! Research on cinnamon's blood-sugar-stabilizing powers is a little mixed, and it may not be a wonder spice.

But if you're adding it to an already healthy diet, then it can have a subtle benefit, especially if you add a lot of it into your diet more than just a teaspoon.

Some studies suggest that cinnamon promotes healthy blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity 8 , or making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.

Bonus: It tastes delicious! Magnesium seems to be of particular importance when it comes to maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and improving insulin sensitivity 9. Nosh on some chromium-rich foods like broccoli, barley, and oats while you're at it.

One study found that the combined effects of chromium and magnesium 10 were more beneficial than either mineral alone. You can also try a magnesium supplement to support optimal levels.

Probiotics are an obvious supplement for supporting digestive health, but they can also play an important role in blood sugar maintenance. In addition to popping a quality probiotic supplement , add healthy, probiotic-rich foods to your diet such as kefir, plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, or even a little low-sugar kombucha.

To help probiotic bacteria to thrive, eat plenty of prebiotic foods such as fiber-rich leafy greens and vegetables. No single food, supplement, or workout session is going to be the magic bullet. To maintain a healthy blood sugar level and keep it balanced for good , start eating a minimally processed diet that contains fiber, protein, healthy fats, and high-quality carbohydrates; get regular exercise; make sure you're hydrated and well-rested; play around with meal composition; and experiment with research-backed superfoods and supplements.

Your body really wants blood sugar levels to stay steady within a particular range — not too high, not too low. But blood sugar is influenced continually by what you eat — the impact of food on blood glucose is almost immediate.

Lifestyle also plays an important role in blood sugar metabolism because glucose is a major fuel for your body, and is about the only fuel your brain can use. You can harness the power of diet, lifestyle and information to help your body find and maintain healthy blood glucose balance.

Adding fiber and good quality protein slows down sugar metabolism. Any sugar you eat — including carbs — moves into your blood.

Your pancreas makes insulin to absorb the sugar to use as fuel now or store for later. Blood sugar levels fall as cells absorb the sugar. Insulin and glucagon go back and forth this way working to ensure a steady supply of glucose to both your body and your brain.

That leads to a rapid drop in blood glucose after that big spike. Protein is different and, along with fat, it keeps blood glucose stable. Well-balanced meals help you achieve the ratio but be careful with snacks, which can be sugar-filled.

Best carb snacks with fiber and protein: string cheese with whole wheat crackers; almonds and dried, unsweetened cranberries; hummus and carrot sticks; Greek yogurt with dried fruit or granola; chicken noodle soup; banana-strawberry smoothie.

Our favorite is a toasted mini whole-grain pizza with veggie toppings and an ounce of shredded cheese. Keeping track of your carbs is a key element in dealing with elevated blood sugar. But we all need carbohydrates to survive and to help balance blood glucose.

The kind of carb you eat, how often and when you eat it all matter a lot. When it comes to their impact on your blood sugar, carbohydrates exist on a spectrum. If your blood sugar is elevated, take a look at the carbohydrate spectrum so you can choose foods wisely.

If you have elevated blood sugar, take advantage of two key ways to figure out how foods will affect your blood glucose before you eat them:. Glycemic index GI measures how much specific foods raise blood glucose after you eat them.

Glycemic load GL tells you both how much sugar a food puts into your bloodstream and how fast it does it. The GL and GI can help you choose what to eat, and when to eat it. Both are sweet treats but the strawberries have a low glycemic index and the cake has a high GI.

Exercise is your best friend if you have elevated blood sugar. The official recommendation for adults is at least 30 minutes of exercise five days per week.

Physical activity helps improve how insulin works and lets muscles make better use of sugar for energy while it actually decreases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

And some studies say that the more exercise you do, the lower your risk for type 2 — the kind of diabetes that can often be controlled, and sometimes reversed, with diet and exercise. Even though your lifestyle habits may seem impossible to change, having elevated blood sugar can be the motivation you need to make better choices every day.

If you begin shifting your diet away from simple carbs and start getting some exercise every day, you will see a difference in your blood sugar sooner than you think.

Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. Smith A, Crippa A, Woodcock J, et al. Physical activity and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and dose—response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Diabetologia 17 October pp 1— Gregg E, Chen H, Wagenknecht L, et al.

Association of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention With Remission of Type 2 Diabetes. Solid evidence shows a connection between pesticide exposures and insulin….

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External factors include dietary choices, certain medications, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress 1 , 2. adults live with diabetes and that another adults have diabetes or prediabetes 3.

Blood sugar management is especially important for people with diabetes, as chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to limb and life threatening complications 1.

Regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a moderate weight and increase insulin sensitivity 4. Increased insulin sensitivity means your cells can more effectively use the available sugar in your bloodstream. Exercise also helps your muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contraction 4.

If you have problems with blood sugar management, consider routinely checking your levels before and after exercising. This will help you learn how you respond to different activities and keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high or low 5.

Exercise snacks simply mean that you break up your sitting time every 30 minutes for just a few minutes throughout the day. Some of the recommended exercises include light walking or simple resistance exercises like squats or leg raises.

Other useful forms of exercise include weightlifting, brisk walking, running, biking, dancing, hiking, swimming, and more. In fact, any activity that regularly gets you up and moving — regardless of the intensity — beats a sedentary lifestyle.

Plus, know that if you have trouble dedicating longer periods to exercise throughout the week, you can still gain many benefits by doing shorter sessions. For example, try aiming for minute exercise sessions 3 times a day for 5 days, with the goal of minutes per week.

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and helps your muscles use blood sugar for movement. This can lead to reduced blood sugar levels. Your carb intake strongly influences your blood sugar levels 7. Your body breaks carbs down into sugars, mainly glucose.

Then, insulin helps your body use and store it for energy. When you eat too many carbs or have insulin-function problems, this process fails, and blood glucose levels can rise. Some studies find that this can help you plan your meals appropriately, further improving blood sugar management 9 , Many studies also show that eating a low carb diet helps reduce blood sugar levels and prevent blood sugar spikes 11 , 12 , You can still eat some carbs when monitoring your blood sugar.

However, prioritizing whole grains over processed ones and refined carbs provides greater nutritional value while helping decrease your blood sugar levels Your body breaks down the carbs you eat into glucose, which then raises your blood sugar levels. As such, reducing your carb intake can aid blood sugar regulation.

Fiber slows carb digestion and sugar absorption, thereby promoting a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels There are two types of fiber — insoluble and soluble. This could help you better manage type 1 diabetes The recommended daily intake of fiber is about 25 grams for women and 35 grams for men.

Eating plenty of fiber can aid blood sugar management. Soluble dietary fiber appears to be more effective than insoluble fiber for this purpose. In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out any excess sugar through urine. One review of observational studies showed that those who drank more water had a lower risk of developing high blood sugar levels Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk 20 , Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best.

Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk 22 , Staying hydrated can reduce blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. Choose water and zero-calorie drinks and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.

Portion control can help you regulate your calorie intake and maintain a moderate weight 24 , Consequently, weight management promotes healthy blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 1 , 26 , Monitoring your serving sizes also helps prevent blood sugar spikes 2.

The glycemic index GI measures how quickly carbs break down during digestion and how rapidly your body absorbs them. This affects how quickly your blood sugar levels rise The GI divides foods into low, medium, and high GI and ranks them on a scale of 0— Low GI foods have a ranking of 55 or less 15 , Both the amount and type of carbs you eat determine how a food affects your blood sugar levels.

Specifically, eating low GI foods has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes 15 , Furthermore, adding protein or healthy fats helps minimize blood sugar spikes after a meal Stress can affect your blood sugar levels When stressed, your body secretes hormones called glucagon and cortisol, which cause blood sugar levels to rise 29 , One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels Exercises and relaxation methods like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may also help correct insulin secretion problems among people with chronic diabetes 31 , 32 , Managing your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods like yoga may help you regulate blood sugar levels.

Monitoring blood glucose levels can help you better manage them You can do so at home using a portable blood glucose meter, which is known as a glucometer. You can discuss this option with your doctor.

Keeping track allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or medications. It also helps you learn how your body reacts to certain foods 2.

Try measuring your levels regularly every day and keeping track of the numbers in a log. Also, it may be more helpful to track your blood sugar in pairs — for example, before and after exercise or before and 2 hours after a meal.

This can show you whether you need to make small changes to a meal if it spikes your blood sugar, rather than avoiding your favorite meals altogether. Some adjustments include swapping a starchy side for non-starchy veggies or limiting them to a handful. Checking your blood glucose and maintaining a daily log enables you to adjust foods and medications when necessary to better manage your blood sugar levels.

Getting enough sleep feels excellent and is necessary for good health In fact, poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

They can also increase appetite and promote weight gain 36 , 37 , Additionally, sleep deprivation raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which, as explained, plays an essential role in blood sugar management 29 , Adequate sleep is about both quantity and quality.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get at least 7—8 hours of high quality sleep per night To improve the quality of your sleep , try to:. Good sleep helps maintain your blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy weight. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones.

High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:.

However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels.

In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems.

However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Raising your blood sugar isn't bad in itself, but you want to avoid spiking your sugar too high, as it can make you feel bad and lead to a "crash" later on.

Insulin is one way your body keeps sugar in check, but other activities affect your blood sugar too, including exercise and how much you move or walk around. Just because carbohydrates and sugar spike your blood sugar doesn't mean you have to avoid them all the time.

The best way to balance out your blood sugar is to pair your higher-carb foods and sugar with protein, healthy fats and ideally fiber. When you pair carbohydrates with protein or fat, the rate that the sugar or carbs are absorbed is slowed, making it easier on your blood sugar, according to Shapiro.

When you look at your plate, the goal is to balance the ratio of carbs with healthy protein and fat so you know that your blood sugar won't spike too high, which can result in a crash or dramatic dip later.

Besides feeling hangry, Shapiro says there are other signs that your blood sugar is low , often as a result of spiking it too high previously.

These are signs of low blood sugar, a quick drop in energy that leaves your body weak," explains Shapiro. People may joke about "hanger," but the feeling is very real, according to Shapiro.

When your blood sugar is low, "You may also find you feel agitated, and hungry, which makes you feel angry or grumpy too. At the end of the day, you shouldn't feel extremes in either direction. If you're eating balanced meals, you should feel good most of the time and when you get hungry, it should happen slowly rather than being a dramatic feeling all at once, according to Shapiro.

Healthy sources of protein like fish and healthy fats like nuts and avocados can help keep your blood sugar balanced. When it comes to lowering blood sugar that's already high, eating more food won't lower it, but here are a few tips to keep in mind.

This is why you might have heard it's a good idea to take a walk after meals, since walking is one way to help lower your blood sugar. If you aren't sure whether your blood sugar is high or in the normal range, one thing you can do is test your sugar.

This is especially helpful if you're concerned about diabetes or prediabetes, but anyone can benefit from monitoring their sugar. It is a great self-research experiment," says Shapiro. Some types of blood glucose monitors require a prescription, but many are OTC and anyone can purchase one.

If you're not quite ready for a monitor, you can still check in with yourself and take notes throughout the day of how certain foods and activities make you feel. Meal Delivery. Dieting Program Guides. Vitamin and Supplement Guides. Why You Can Trust CNET. Wellness Nutrition.

How to Keep Your Blood Sugar Balanced Throughout the Day Keeping your blood sugar levels balanced can make you feel less hangry and more satisfied.

It helps slow digestion, prevents postmeal blood sugar spikes, and increases feelings of fullness. Plus, it may help prevent overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two essential effects for healthy blood sugar levels A high intake of fatty fish such as salmon and sardines has been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation.

For example, in a small study with 68 participants, adults with overweight or obesity who consumed 26 ounces oz , or grams g , of fatty fish per week had significant improvements in postmeal blood sugar levels compared with those who consumed lean fish Brightly colored and packed with fiber and antioxidants, pumpkin is a great choice for blood sugar regulation.

Pumpkin is a traditional diabetes remedy in many countries, including Mexico and Iran Pumpkin is high in carbs called polysaccharides, which have been studied for their blood sugar-regulating potential. Treatments with pumpkin extracts and powders have been shown to significantly decrease blood sugar levels in both limited human studies and animal studies 16 , Pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, which make them an excellent choice for blood sugar management 18 , Research has shown that eating nuts may be an effective way to help regulate blood sugar levels.

In a small study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes, consuming both peanuts and almonds throughout the day as part of a low carb diet reduced fasting and postmeal blood sugar levels Also, a review found that consuming various types of tree nuts led to reduced fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, the authors noted that the results were not clinically significant and that more research is necessary Okra seeds may be beneficial as a natural remedy for diabetes due to their potent blood sugar-lowering properties Rhamnogalacturonan, the main polysaccharide in okra, has been identified as a powerful antidiabetic compound.

Plus, okra contains the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobioside, which help reduce blood sugar by inhibiting certain enzymes 25 , 26 , Although animal studies suggest that okra has potent antidiabetic properties, human research studies are needed.

Flaxseed is rich in fiber and healthy fats and may help reduce blood sugar levels. In an 8-week study of 57 people with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed 7 oz g of 2.

Moreover, a review of 25 controlled studies found that eating whole flaxseed led to significant improvements in blood sugar regulation Beans and lentils are rich in magnesium, fiber, and protein. These nutrients may be able to help lower blood sugar.

For example, a study of 12 women demonstrated that adding black beans or chickpeas to a rice meal significantly reduced postmeal blood sugar levels compared with eating rice alone Many other studies have shown that eating beans and lentils can benefit blood sugar regulation and possibly help protect against the development of diabetes 31 , Fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut contain health-promoting compounds, including probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants.

Research associates these compounds with improved blood sugar and insulin sensitivity 33 , A review concluded that probiotic foods had a notable effect on blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers noted that these foods had the greatest impact on people whose diabetes was not well managed and those who were not on insulin therapy However, most studies into the effect of fermented foods on blood sugar regulation involve rodent or cellular investigations.

As a result, further controlled human studies are necessary Eating chia seeds may benefit blood sugar regulation. Some studies link chia seed consumption to reductions in blood sugar levels and improvements in insulin sensitivity.

A review of 17 animal studies concluded that chia seeds might help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation and potentially reduce disease risk, including the risk of diabetes It contains multiple compounds that may help decrease blood sugar levels, including fiber and flavonoid antioxidants.

A study that included 42 Japanese adults demonstrated that consuming either 7 or 14 g of kale-containing foods with a high carb meal significantly decreased postmeal blood sugar levels compared with placebo Research has shown that the flavonoid antioxidants found in kale , including quercetin and kaempferol, have potent blood sugar-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects Numerous studies link berry intake with improved blood sugar regulation.

Berries contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and all of this makes them an excellent choice for people with blood sugar management issues.

A study found that eating 2 cups g of red raspberries with a high carb meal significantly reduced postmeal insulin and blood sugar in adults with prediabetes compared with a control group In addition to raspberries, studies have shown that strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries may benefit blood sugar management by enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose clearance from the blood 43 , 44 , Avocados may offer significant benefits for blood sugar regulation.

Numerous studies have found that avocados may help reduce blood sugar levels and protect against the development of metabolic syndrome through fat loss. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure and high blood sugar, that increases chronic disease risk 46 , 47 , However, remember that many studies investigating the effects of avocado intake on blood sugar levels were funded by the Hass Avocado Board, which could have influenced aspects of the studies 46 , Including oats and oat bran in your diet may help improve your blood sugar levels due to their high soluble fiber content, which has been shown to have significant blood sugar-reducing properties An analysis of 16 studies found that oat intake significantly reduced HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels compared with control meals Moreover, a small study of 10 people found that drinking 7 oz of water mixed with 1 oz of oat bran before eating white bread significantly reduced postmeal blood sugar compared with drinking plain water Although citrus fruits contain natural sugar, they are considered low to medium on the glycemic index.

Citrus fruits are also good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are packed with fiber and contain plant compounds such as naringenin, a polyphenol with powerful antidiabetic properties Eating whole citrus fruits may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce HbA1c, and protect against diabetes 54 , 55 , 56 , Kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products that may help regulate blood sugar.

An 8-week study of 60 people with type 2 diabetes showed that drinking 20 oz milliliters of kefir , a probiotic-rich yogurt drink, per day significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c compared with drinking kefir that did not contain probiotics Yogurt consumption may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In a analysis of 42 studies, the authors concluded that each 50 g 1. Eggs are a concentrated source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some studies have linked egg consumption to better blood sugar regulation. A study of 42 adults with overweight or obesity and either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes showed that eating one large egg per day led to a significant 4.

This association was apparent in men but not in women Apples contain soluble fiber and plant compounds, including quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid, which may help reduce blood sugar and protect against diabetes 62 , A study of 18 women found that eating apples 30 minutes before a rice meal significantly reduced postmeal blood sugar compared with eating rice alone Foods that may help support blood sugar regulation include broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, among others.

These foods may help slow digestion and typically do not raise your blood sugar. If you have hyperglycemia, you may need to avoid foods that can raise your blood sugar. This can include foods that are high in sugar and refined carbs, such as white bread, bagels, and sweetened dessert items.

If you are experiencing hyperglycemia, a doctor or healthcare professional may recommend using fast-acting insulin to lower your blood glucose levels. They may also recommend an appointment with your healthcare team.

You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Your healthcare team can help you develop a treatment plan that involves diet changes, exercise, and medication, if needed, to help lower your blood sugar levels Following a healthy dietary pattern is essential for optimal blood sugar management.

Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes or want to reduce your risk of developing these conditions, including the foods listed above as part of a nutritious diet may help lower your blood sugar levels. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones.

High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:.

However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels. In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems.

However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes.

Therefore, no conclusive recommendations can be made regarding their use Some of the foods touted to have anti-diabetes effects include 51 , 52 :.

Finally, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates prescription medications. Some foods are believed to have blood-sugar-lowering effects.

However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Maintaining a moderate weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of developing diabetes 2 , 26 , 27 , For example, if a person weighs pounds 91 kg and loses just 10—14 pounds 4.

These are used as indicators of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 60 , Maintaining a moderate weight will support blood sugar management and decrease your risk of developing diabetes.

Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels Snacking between meals may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels 62 , In addition, eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day may lower glycated hemoglobin HbA1c readings, indicating improvements in blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months Snacking between meals could keep your blood sugar levels from spiking or plummeting throughout the day.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation 65 , 66 , 67 , Research shows that probiotic intake may lower fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes 65 , 66 , 67 , Interestingly, studies have found that improvements in blood sugar levels are more significant in people who consume multiple species of probiotics and for at least 8 weeks 69 , Probiotic-rich foods include fermented foods, such as:.

Insulin is a hormone that balances blood sugar in the body. These are defined as excessive thirst, urination, and appetite, respectively. Many of them include making lifestyle changes, like managing your weight, stress levels, and sleep quality, exercising, and staying hydrated.

That said, some of the biggest improvements have to do with your dietary choices. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before making lifestyle changes or trying new supplements— especially if you have problems with blood sugar management or are taking medications.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally. Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES — By Arlene Semeco, MS, RD — Updated on October 30, Explore our top resources.

Exercise regularly. Manage your carb intake. Eat more fiber. Drink water and stay hydrated. Implement portion control. Choose foods with a low glycemic index. Try to manage your stress levels.

Monitor your blood sugar levels. Get enough quality sleep. Eat foods rich in chromium and magnesium. Consider adding specific foods to your diet.

Maintain a moderate weight. Eat healthy snacks more frequently. Eat probiotic-rich foods. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Oct 30, Written By Arlene Semeco. Sep 14, Medically Reviewed By Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES. Share this article. Read this next. How to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes. How to Stop Drinking Soda: A Complete Guide. What Can I Eat to Keep My Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Low?