What Should You Avoid and What Can You Eat When Blood Sugar Is High?

May 10, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Individuals with high blood sugar should avoid foods high in sugar. High-sugar foods cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels and are therefore unsuitable—such as chocolate, cakes, and ice cream. The following foods are recommended instead: Foods rich in dietary fiber, primarily including high-fiber vegetables—especially dark-green leafy vegetables—such as celery, leeks, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and bamboo shoots.

Many people in daily life have elevated blood glucose levels. Such individuals should pay close attention to their diet to prevent the development of diabetes. So, what foods should those with high blood sugar avoid—and what can they safely consume?

What Should People with High Blood Sugar Avoid—or Consume?

Individuals with high blood sugar should avoid foods rich in sugar, as these cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. Therefore, sweets such as chocolate, cakes, and ice cream are unsuitable. They should also limit intake of foods high in saturated fatty acids (e.g., cream, butter). Additionally, foods rich in cholesterol—such as egg yolks, crab roe, and organ meats—should be avoided, as high cholesterol intake may indirectly contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. For optimal blood sugar control, it is advisable to adopt a “smaller, more frequent meals” approach and emphasize low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables (e.g., celery, spinach), which support normal glucose metabolism and help alleviate hyperglycemia symptoms.

If you have high blood sugar, the following foods are generally suitable: high-fiber options—including leafy green vegetables (e.g., celery, leeks, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, romaine lettuce), tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bamboo shoots, corn, winter melon, pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms. These fiber-rich foods aid in glycemic management. To minimize added fats, avoid deep-frying or pan-frying; instead, opt for healthier cooking methods such as stir-frying or stewing, making them the primary preparation techniques.

Patients with elevated blood sugar should consistently monitor and manage their glucose levels. They should minimize consumption of overly sweet foods to prevent severe health complications arising from sustained hyperglycemia. Regular physical activity is also essential to strengthen immunity. We hope this information proves helpful!