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Diet for People With Elevated Blood Sugar

Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a condition characterized by excessive amounts of glucose in the bloodstream. It is frequently an early sign of developing diabetes, and the condition is also known as pre-diabetes. In individuals with elevated blood sugar, proper diet is essential in lowering glucose levels and avoiding the development of full-blown diabetes.

  1. Basics

    • According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, elevated blood sugar can be detected with a blood test called a fasting glucose test, or by a glucose tolerance test. If you undergo a fasting glucose test, glucose levels between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) indicate the presence of pre-diabetes. Readings higher than 125 mg/dL signal the presence of diabetes. If you undergo a glucose tolerance test, glucose levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes. Readings above 199 mg/dL indicate the onset of diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you can prevent or delay the onset of clinical diabetes by losing between five and seven percent of your body weight. Typically, you can achieve this goal through a combination of diet and exercise.

    Diet

    • If you have elevated blood sugar, your main dietary concern is lowering and stabilizing the amount of glucose in your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, to help achieve this goal you should get roughly 45 to 65 percent of your daily calories from carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent from fat sources and 15 to 20 percent from protein. Do what you can to pick healthy carbohydrate options such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy items, peas, beans and lentils. Make sure to get adequate levels of dietary fiber, which can help control your glucose and lower your heart disease risks. High-fiber options include nuts, fruits, vegetables and products made with whole-wheat flour.

    Carbohydrates

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, you can also help achieve blood sugar control by more closely tracking your daily intake of carbohydrates (carbs), which are the body's main source of dietary glucose. Carbs come in the form of starches, sugars and fiber. You can control the effects of these foods by counting your daily intake and making sure that you eat roughly the same amount of them at the same time each day. Be aware that some types of carbohydrates have greater effects on your blood sugar than others, and accounting for these effects will add accuracy to your dietary program.

    Exchanges

    • You can also track your intake of carbohydrates and other foods using the exchange system, which divides foods into amounts that have an equal impact on your blood sugar. For example, in this system one-third cup of cooked pasta would have the same effects on your sugar levels as one small apple. Ask your nutritionist to explain the exchange system in greater detail.

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