Diabetes: The food 'shown to help improve blood sugar' - 'essential' for healthy levels - seafood, including fish and shellfish

 Website content extracted from: Diabetes: Treatment for blood sugar includes seafood in diet | Express.co.uk

HIGH blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycaemia, can be dangerous in some instances. Fortunately, there are certain foods which can help you manage your blood sugar levels, and ones to avoid or limit in your diet.

By HARRIET WHITEHEAD

16:10, Mon, Feb 14, 2022 | UPDATED: 16:10, Mon, Feb 14, 2022

Your blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, are a measurement that show how much glucose you have in your blood. Hyperglycaemia is not the same as hypoglycaemia, which is when a person's blood sugar level drops too low. Hyperglycaemia can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods.

Healthline says that seafood, including fish and shellfish, “offers a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help regulate blood sugar levels”.

It explains: “Protein is essential for blood sugar control. It helps slow digestion and prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes, as well as increases feelings of fullness.

“Plus, it may help prevent overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two effects that are essential for healthy blood sugar levels.”

It adds that a high intake of fatty fish like salmon and sardines has been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation.

Healthline cites a study in 68 adults with overweight or obesity who consumed 26 ounces (750 grams) of fatty fish per week had “significant improvements in post-meal blood sugar levels, compared with those who consumed lean fish”.

The NHS advises that people eat at least two portions of fish a week with at least one of these portions being oily fish.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that omega-3 fats may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.

It says: “Fish high in these healthy fats are sometimes referred to as 'fatty fish'. Salmon is well known in this group. Other fish high in omega-3 are herring, sardines, mackerel, trout and albacore tuna.”