The first thing you should do if you’re living with diabetes and trying to control blood sugar levels is to become aware of how quickly your body breaks certain foods down into glucose. And one way to evaluate foods according to how quickly they are metabolized into glucose is the glycemic index (GI).
Foods with a high GI, such as refined carbohydrates and sugars, are rapidly broken down into glucose, placing an increased burden on normal metabolic processes and making it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Fueling your body with these quick-burning carbohydrates can also leave you feeling tired, hungry, and irritable.
On the other hand, vegetables, legumes, and modest amounts of fruit cause a slow, sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream. They’ll keep your insulin from spiking, provide a sustained source of energy, and satisfy your hunger over the long haul.
Couple these slow burners with moderate amounts of lean protein and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, and you’ll be taking a big step towards managing diabetes.
For more information on living with diabetes and ways to control blood sugar, visit www.drwhitaker.com.
Foods with a high GI, such as refined carbohydrates and sugars, are rapidly broken down into glucose, placing an increased burden on normal metabolic processes and making it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Fueling your body with these quick-burning carbohydrates can also leave you feeling tired, hungry, and irritable.
On the other hand, vegetables, legumes, and modest amounts of fruit cause a slow, sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream. They’ll keep your insulin from spiking, provide a sustained source of energy, and satisfy your hunger over the long haul.
Couple these slow burners with moderate amounts of lean protein and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, and you’ll be taking a big step towards managing diabetes.
For more information on living with diabetes and ways to control blood sugar, visit www.drwhitaker.com.
Powered by Compendium