Though blood sugar spikes are oftentimes inevitable, they should not be a consistent phenomenon.

Initial signs of high blood sugar (also known as hyperglycemia) consist of increased thirst and frequent urination. But constant and long-term spikes can create much bigger consequences.

The negative effects of high blood sugar include:

• Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) or failure
• Damage to the retina's blood vessels (diabetic retinopathy)
• Poor blood circulation to the feet, potentially leading to amputations
• Non-healing wounds
• Mouth and skin infections
• Bone and joint complications

More severe complications require emergency attention and include diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.

How to Control Blood Sugar Spikes

As mentioned, constant high blood sugar and spikes can startle and damage the body and its systems. 

The glycemic index (GI) measures how foods affect blood sugars, based on a one to 100 number scale. Low GI foods have a mild effect on blood sugars while high GI foods have a much greater impact. 

To keep blood sugars unshaken, stray away from highly sweetened items and go for non-carbohydrate or lower GI foods.

Non-Carbohydrate Foods

Meats, fats, and oils are essentially absent of carbohydrates. 

Importantly, be mindful of the preparation method as breaded and battered meats will mostly contain some sort of carbohydrate in the form of flour and breadcrumbs.

 Additionally, allow a lean protein to be the main star of the dish rather than heavy portions of rice and potatoes. 

Healthy fats and oils, such as olive oil, have shown to improve blood sugar levels as well! For higher fat meats and oils, it still remains critical to monitor their intake, as they will still contribute to total calories.

1. Chicken
2. Turkey
3. Beef
4. Pork
5. Tilapia
6. Salmon
7. Eggs
8. Olive oil
9. Coconut oil

Low-Glycemic Foods

Though considered a carbohydrate source, the following foods have a low GI score (less than 55) and display a minimal to moderate impact on blood sugars.

Grains, Bread, and Cereals:

When choosing grains, bread, and cereals, go for one of these whole-grain varieties to ensure adequate fiber and nutrients.

10. Barley
11. Bulgur
12. Quinoa
13. Corn tortillas
14. wheat tortillas
15. 100% whole grain bread

Starchy Vegetables:

Yet still considered a vegetable, starchy vegetables mostly contain a higher carb count compared to non-starchy vegetables. Sticking to serving and portion sizes will keep carbohydrates moderated.

16. Carrots
17. Corn
18. Peas
19. Pumpkin
20. Zucchini

Non-Starchy Vegetables:

Nutrient-rich and low in calories, these non-starchy vegetables average a low GI score of 15.

21. Asparagus
22. Broccoli
23. Cauliflower
24. Celery
25. Cucumber
26. Kale
27. Lettuce
28. Mushrooms
29. Onions
30. Bell peppers
31. Spinach

Fruits:

Despite fruits being a pure carbohydrate source, the natural sugars are complimented by fiber and additional nutrients. 

When choosing fruit, consider low GI fruits and stick with its whole form for a couple of reasons: 

One, canned fruits (such as peaches) maybe soaking in syrups, thus increasing sugar content and glycemic index score. 

Two, fruit juices are often loaded with sugars and lack that precious fiber found in the peels and skins of fruit.

32. Apples
33. Avocados
34. Blueberries
35. Cherries
36. Grapefruits
37. Oranges
38. Peaches
39. Pears

Beans and Legumes:

Though such products do supply carbohydrates to the body, they are a plant-based protein and healthy fat source as well. 

Since most nuts and seeds are energy-dense (or heavy in calories for a relativity small volume), stick to recommended servings or portions, generally one-ounce or a small handful.

40. Cashews
41. Beans (black, kidney, etc.)
42. Peanuts
43. Soybeans
44. Hummus (prepared with chickpeas)

Dairy Products:

Dairy milk and associated dairy products do contain carbohydrates in the form of lactose, a naturally-occurring sugar. 

Despite lactose's existence, consuming these calcium-rich products will not spike blood sugars in their minimally processed form. 

It is, however, important to eliminate dairy products with added sugars such as sweetened yogurts and ice creams. 

Choosing to skim or part-skim milk and cheese can help reduce fat content, too.

45. Milk
46. Cottage cheese
47. String cheese
48. Cheddar cheese
49. Mozzarella cheese
50. Low-fat yogurt

Ultimately, a diet-controlled in carbohydrates and balanced with adequate protein and healthy fats can help manage blood sugars. 

Trusting in a meal delivery service can ensure nutritional requirements are being met, all without the need for meal prep on your end!