High blood sugar can be dangerous, and it is most commonly associated with those who have diabetes.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, a doctor shared the first step you should take when trying to improve your levels.
Cutting out sugar is obvious, but your general diet is also worth paying close attention to, according to Chief Bariatric Surgeon at Elias Ortiz & Company, Dr Elias Ortiz.
He said: "Fix your diet. What you eat plays a huge role in blood sugar levels - so start there."
The doctor suggested ditching foods high in sugar
PAMonitoring your intake of ultra-processed foods and sugar is important. This means limiting foods such as sweets, crisps, pastries, ready meals, processed meats and cereals.
Dr Ortiz continued: "Cut back on processed carbs and added sugars, and focus more on whole foods like veggies, lean proteins and fibre-rich options.
"These help slow down how quickly sugar hits your bloodstream, which keeps your levels steadier."
Indeed, a 2014 meta-analysis published in The Lancet titled "Dietary fibre for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus" found that high-fibre diets significantly reduced HbA₁c and fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.
A 2021 review in the Journal of Functional Foods also found that soluble fibre was particularly effective in lowering blood sugar, insulin levels, and insulin resistance across 22 randomised controlled trials.
While it can seem daunting to change your diet all at once, the doctor suggested doing this slowly.
Start by reducing sugar and adding more whole foods into your diet gradually for more sustainable results. Dr Ortiz told GB News: "You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight.
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Avoid ultra-processed foods when trying to lower blood sugar levels
GETTY"Otherwise, you may get frustrated/overwhelmed and give up before you start. Start with small changes and build from there."
For more food tips regarding blood sugar levels, a nutritionist names four breakfast foods that will dictate how blood sugar functions.
The expert recommended starting the day with a savoury breakfast, preferably, and shared more guidance on the best types of foods to choose.
