People with diabetes have blood glucose levels that reflect their food choices.
“For more than a year, my blood sugar levels stayed between 250 and 350 mg/dl per day,” writes chui55, a member of the WebMD diabetes community. After swapping fries and candy for fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, “my blood sugar levels stayed between 110 and 185 mg/dl …… I’m glad that my condition has improved so much and I’m gradually getting healthier.”
What foods can help people control their blood sugar? Take this quiz to find out.
Questions
- The glycemic index of foods is ranked based on which of the following factors:
a. sugar content
b. Amount of weight gain caused
c. the amount that causes blood sugar to increase
d. the amount of calorie value contained
- Which of the following breads has the lowest glycemic index?
a. White bread
b. pumpernickel bread
c. whole wheat bread
d. 100% whole grain bread
- Which vegetable is the best choice if you have diabetes?
a. baked potatoes
b. carrots
c. corn on the cob
d. sweet potatoes
- Which of the following nuts helps control blood sugar?
a. cashews
b. hazelnuts
c. pecans
d. all of the above
Answers
- c The glycemic index ranks carbohydrate-based foods based on how much they raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause blood sugar spikes and make diabetes difficult to control.
- d 100% whole grain breads are made with whole grains, unlike refined grains that have been processed to remove some of the nutrient-dense crusts. Whole grains are nutrient-rich and slowly consumed, so they help keep blood sugar stable.
- b Although carrots are sweet, their glycemic index is lower than the other vegetables in the options. Green leafy vegetables are also a good choice to supplement your plate. Ideally, buy fresh vegetables, or choose frozen or canned vegetables without any added seasoning or salt.
- d A review of 12 studies showed that a variety of nuts, including Brazil nuts and walnuts, improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and fasting blood glucose levels. Peanuts were not included in the study because they are a legume and not a nut. Nuts can be added to the daily diet, but not in excess, as these foods are rich in fat and calories. Participants in the study ate about 57g of nuts per day (about 40 lentils or 14 walnuts).
Consult your doctor
- What foods help stabilize blood sugar levels?
- How many servings should I consume?
- Can I snack between meals? Which snacks are best?
- What should I do if my blood sugar level is consistently high?