What Can I Eat If My Blood Glucose Is too High in the Morning?

Glucose enters the bloodstream through the foods that we eat and then bonds with a hormone called insulin, which provides the body with energy. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or insulin resistance, can cause the body's glucose levels to become too high. The American Diabetes Association recommends treating high-blood glucose levels with a proper diet, exercise and medication or insulin under the supervision of a health professional.

Range

• Normal blood-glucose levels are between 70 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose to deciliter of blood). Hyperglycemia is a condition where blood glucose levels spike higher than 120 mg/dl. Blood glucose levels lower than 70 mg/dl can result in a condition called hypoglycemia.

Diet

• Because carbohydrates and sugar are the primary sources of blood glucose, a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet should be followed to prevent dangerous spikes in blood-glucose levels. Not all carbohydrates are created equal, as they break down in the body at different rates and provide varying amounts of blood glucose.
  The Glycemic Index (GI) rates foods from 1 to 100, with pure glucose at 100, according to how long they take to break down and how much blood glucose they allow in the system. Foods that are rated less than 55 are low-GI foods and are good choices for a healthy diet. Any food rated higher than 77 should be avoided, and those in between the two should only be consumed in moderation.
  According to the Glycemic Index, good breakfast foods to prevent a blood-glucose spike include whole-grain or multigrain toast, All-Bran cereal or sugar-free cereals based on oats, barley and bran, porridge or low-fat yogurt.
  When morning blood-glucose levels are high, stay with foods that contain minimal or no carbohydrates. Meat and eggs do not contain carbohydrates, so they would make an acceptable breakfast. Broccoli and asparagus are rated low-GI and would be a good addition to an omelet. Grapefruit is another low-GI rated breakfast alternative.
  There are also foods that are considered "free foods" for a diabetic that should be considered if blood-glucose levels are extremely high. Unsweetened coffee, broth, consomme and sugar-free gelatin are free foods that can be eaten in moderate amounts any time. One-half cup of sliced cucumber with two tablespoons of a fat-free salad dressing is on the free food list, along with one and one-half medium dill pickles or one tablespoon of fat-free cream cheese. These foods can only be eaten in single servings spread out at three different times in the day.

Prevention

• Consult your doctor to determine why morning blood glucose levels are high and what can be done to prevent it. Adding or changing medication, exercising more and eating a consistent healthy diet may all be advised.