For those dealing with diabetes or high blood sugar, starting the day with a healthy meal can make all the difference in regulating a sustained blood sugar level through the course of the day. Type-2 diabetes essentially refers to the body developing resistance to insulin or a condition in which the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin is compromised. It is extremely essential for patients with diabetes to pay close attention to their health as rapid rise and fall in insulin can have a damaging impact on overall health as well as critical functions like vision or digestion.
Most mornings, diabetic patients can suffer from low blood sugar upon waking up which can lead to a fainting spell. Starting the day with some superfoods or soothers can help to over time reduce such insulin fluctuations and maintain a balanced sugar level, albeit on the higher side. These foods coupled with the medicines advocated by your medical practitioner can also help to combat the collateral effects of diabetes. Read on below for some foods and soothers to start the day with that can reduce rapid insulin spike:
Cinnamon Infused Water
On waking up in the morning have a warm tea made from an infusion of cinnamon in water. The quickest way to do this is to add cinnamon powder to water and reduce it on the stove the night before. Heat it the next morning to sip on as an herbal tea. The anti-inflammatory properties in cinnamon keeps blood sugar levels regulated throughout the day.
Protein-Rich Foods
Starting the day with eggs or a moong dal cheela or any other protein-rich snack can help to combat the sudden onset of hunger pangs or lowered sugar levels during the day. Protein boosts satiety without causing an insulin uptick, so the body can sustain till lunchtime without going through an insulin drop.
Fenugreek Water
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drink this soother the next morning. Chew on the fenugreek seeds to take in all their fibrous content and minerals which will help to regulate blood sugar during the day. Having fenugreek seeds in warm water works towards reducing the rate of carbohydrate absorption and may prevent an insulin uptick.
Turmeric And Ghee
Ghee is a potent remedy to ward off sugar cravings during the day. Mix a tablespoon of ghee in some turmeric and wash this paste down with lukewarm water to especially beat post-lunch sugar cravings. The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric also help to contain tissue swelling which is a common occurrence among diabetic patients.
Soaked Raisins And Almonds
If you suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia during the day that can turn into an insulin uptick when you end up eating something sweet or having a heavy meal, eat some soaked raising in the morning on an empty stomach. Healthy fats in raisins and almonds induce satiety and reduce cravings, but be sure to follow this up with a protein-rich breakfast.
Amla Juice
Alkaline drinks like amla juice or lemon juice with just a bit of water can work wonders for lowering blood sugar levels. Keeping the body alkaline promotes healing processes, lowers inflammation and reduces tissue damage. This helps to sustain overall health and keep the body in top shape even as it combats insulin resistance.
Chia Seed Smoothie
Soak chia seeds and add them to a smoothie made from leafy greens and bananas to increase the fibre intake in the body. Rich in healthy fatty acids, chia seeds nonetheless prevent a rapid insulin uptick, thereby regulating blood sugar. Studies have also indicated that chia seeds can slow down the rate at which food passes through the gut to be absorbed by the blood stream, to in turn reduce blood sugar levels.
Flaxseed And Cereal
Chew on a handful of flaxseeds and cereal mix to start the day with a dose of energy giving fatty acids and carbs. Both flaxseeds and cereal have high fibre which provides the body with roughage that regulates bowel function. This in turn promotes healthy nutrient absorption and helps to regulate overall blood sugar levels.