Various factors cause an increase in blood sugar levels in the body. The main cause of excess sugar production and prediabetes in the bloodstream is related to the consumption of certain sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods found typically in a Western diet. However, mental stress, certain medications, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, along with some diseases, can be contributing factors as well.
What Are the Underlying Culprits?
A variety of factors contribute to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes:
1. A diet high in sugars, empty carbohydrates, as well as processed and fatty foods, causes excess blood sugar and a risk of Type 2 diabetes.
2. Stress and emotional distress contribute to an increase in sugar levels, regardless of your diet.
3. Diseases and medical conditions can also cause high blood sugar levels.
4. Various types of medications, such as steroids and diuretics, sometimes contribute to high blood sugar levels.
5. Hormonal problems can also affect blood sugar levels; for example, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism leads to an increase in blood sugar levels.
6. Little to no physical activity increases the risk of prediabetes and diabetes and contributes to excess blood sugar levels.
What Foods Are to Blame?
A diet rich in processed carbohydrates and sugars is the fundamental cause of high blood sugar levels. The consumption of foods containing processed sugars, carbohydrates, and starch, along with fatty foods, causes high blood sugar levels. Over time, this condition also causes problems such as Type 2 diabetes. For those with prediabetes or diabetes already, it is imperative to avoid foods such as candy, sugary snacks, chocolates, pastries, white bread, pasta, and cornflakes. It is also recommended to avoid very salty food and food high in saturated fats as well.
So, What’s a Healthy Alternative?
On the other hand, which food lowers blood sugar? Well, there are citrus fruits, but don’t drink the juice, there’s lentils, spinach, strawberries, nuts, sauerkraut, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, onions, fish, garlic, flaxseeds, dark chocolate, kale, apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, low-fat yogurt, blueberries, avocados, green tea, oats, okra, and whole grains to name a few. It is advisable to check the Glycemic Index of your foods before consuming them, especially if you are prediabetic or diabetic already.
The information provided here is advisory only, and medical decisions should be made with your doctor and nutritionist as part of a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.
