Do you have high blood sugar, or have diabetes? It is especially important to watch what you eat. The food you choose has a huge impact on how you feel today and in the long term. Here you get simple and concrete dietary advice for those with high blood sugar.

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Why is diet important when you have high blood sugar?

Proper diet is one of the most important tools you have to take care of your health when you have high blood sugar or diabetes. The foods you choose directly affect blood sugar, and can help reduce blood sugar and keep it stable throughout the day. In addition, diet affects your energy levels, and plays an important role in preventing high blood pressure and unfavorable cholesterol values.

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Dietary advice of the Directorate of Health

The general advice from the Norwegian Directorate of Health also applies to you with high blood sugar or diabetes.

• Have a varied diet, choose the most foods from the plant kingdom and eat with pleasure
• Fruits, berries or vegetables should be part of all meals
• Let wholemeal bread or others whole grain products be part of several meals every day
• Choose more often fish and seafood, beans and lentils than red meat. Eat as little processed meat as possible
• Have a daily intake of milk and dairy products. Choose products with less fat
• Limit sweets, snacks and sweet baked goods
• Drink water!

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Especially for you with diabetes or high blood sugar

In addition, with high blood sugar or diabetes, you should think extra about:

• Limit sugar in food and beverages — especially soft drinks, juices and sweet pastries.
• Fruits and berries are healthy, but eat them in appropriate quantities and preferably with proteins or fats.
• Eat more legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, and nuts — they cause slower blood sugar rise
• Distribute carbohydrates throughout the day, and feel free to eat several small meals.

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When should you eat?

Find a meal rhythm that suits you and helps you keep your blood sugar stable.

• Regular meals (3—4 per day and any snacks) are best suited for many to make meals smaller, providing a lower carbohydrate intake that produces smoother blood sugar levels.
• Fewer and larger meals might fit better if you easily overeat from having a lot of meals.
• Always combine carbohydrates with protein and/or fat for smoother and slower blood sugar rise.

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Sources: Health Directorate, Diabetesförbund