How to prevent blood sugar surge after eating a meal

Credit: Jarritos Mexican Soda / Unsplash

After a meal, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is absorbed into the bloodstream.

This causes a rise in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.

However, there are several ways to prevent blood sugar surges after meals. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to prevent blood sugar surges after meals.

Choose Low-Glycemic Foods

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels.

Foods with a high GI value, such as white bread, rice, and sugary drinks, can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, foods with a low GI value, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.

To prevent blood sugar surges after meals, choose low-GI foods.

Some examples of low-GI foods include sweet potatoes, quinoa, lentils, and most fruits (except for watermelon and pineapple, which have a higher GI value).

Combine Carbohydrates with Protein and Fat

Eating carbohydrates alone can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

However, combining carbohydrates with protein and fat can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.

To prevent blood sugar surges after meals, combine carbohydrates with protein and fat. For example, have a salad with chicken and avocado, or a whole-grain wrap with hummus and vegetables.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Eating large meals can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, especially if the meal contains a lot of carbohydrates. However, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent blood sugar surges.

To prevent blood sugar surges after meals, try to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Aim to eat every three to four hours, and make sure each meal contains a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is the body’s ability to use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Regular exercise can help prevent blood sugar surges after meals by improving insulin sensitivity and helping the body use glucose more effectively.

To prevent blood sugar surges after meals, aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Choose activities that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.

Drink Water with Meals

Drinking water with meals can help slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.

Water can also help you feel fuller, which can prevent overeating and blood sugar surges.

To prevent blood sugar surges after meals, drink water with meals instead of sugary drinks or juice. Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water per day.

Preventing blood sugar surges after meals is important for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.

Choosing low-GI foods, combining carbohydrates with protein and fat, eating smaller, more frequent meals, exercising regularly, and drinking water with meals are all effective ways to prevent blood sugar surges after meals.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can help regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies that the MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with diabetic neuropathic pain.

For more information about blood sugar, please see recent studies that low blood sugar can worsen eye disease in people with diabetes, and results showing newest diabetes drugs may lower body weight, blood sugar more quickly.

Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.