1. Okra

Okra is a fruit that’s commonly utilized like a vegetable. It’s a rich source of blood-sugar-lowering compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants

In Turkey, okra seeds have long been used as a natural remedy to treat diabetes due to their potent blood-sugar-lowering properties (24Trusted Source).

Rhamnogalacturonan, the main polysaccharide in okra, has been identified as a powerful antidiabetic compound. Plus, okra contains the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobioside, which help reduce blood sugar by inhibiting certain enzymes

Although animal studies suggest that okra has powerful antidiabetic properties, human research studies are needed.

2. Chia Seeds

You might have heard that losing or managing weight is one of the best things you can do to improve your blood sugar. Chia seeds can help with that. In one study, people with diabetes who added about an ounce of chia seeds per 1,000 calories day to a calorie-controlled diet for six months shed four pounds and trimmed an inch-and-a-half from their waistlines. Aside from being packed with fiber, these gems also contain protein and provide 18 percent of your recommended daily intake of calcium.

3. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts

Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-sugar-reducing properties.

This plant chemical is produced when broccoli is chopped or chewed due to a reaction between a glucosinolate compound called glucoraphanin and the enzyme myrosinase, both of which are concentrated in broccoli (5).

Test-tube, animal, and human studies have shown that sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract has powerful antidiabetic effects, helping enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar and markers of oxidative stress

Broccoli sprouts are concentrated sources of glucosinolates like glucoraphanin, and they’ve been shown to help promote insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes when supplemented as a powder or extract

Additionally, eating cruciferous vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Keep in mind that the best way to enhance the availability of sulforaphane is to enjoy broccoli and broccoli sprouts raw or lightly steamed, or to add active sources of myrosinase like mustard seed powder to cooked broccoli

4. Apples

You might think that there’s no room in a diabetic meal plan for fruit, but apples are also low glycemic. Aiming for foods like apples that are low or medium on the glycemic index is one way to manage blood sugar levels. And eating an apple a day has its benefits — they are high in fiber, vitamin C as well as fat-free! Not to mention a portable and easy snack option.

5. Berries

Numerous studies have linked berry intake with improved blood sugar control. Berries are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they make an excellent choice for people with blood sugar management issues.

A 2019 study found that eating 2 cups (250 grams) of red raspberries with a high carb meal significantly reduced post-meal insulin and blood sugar in adults with prediabetes, compared with a control group

In addition to raspberries, studies have shown that strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries may benefit blood sugar management by enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose clearance from the blood

6. Almonds

These crunchy nuts are rich in magnesium, a mineral that may help your body use its own insulin more effectively. Try adding more almonds into your diet to have your daily dose of this blood sugar-balancing mineral. Plus, nuts like almonds are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber, which makes them a great way to help manage blood glucose levels.

7. Yogurt

Yoghurt is known because of its active and live cultures which help in the digestive issues by providing good bacteria. Whether you are eating unsweetened yoghurt or one with artificial sugars, it will still fall under low GI foods. However, low-fat yoghurt is recommended. Its glycemic index is 33. Also, it is advisable to consume natural flavoured yoghurt that is free of any type of artificial sweeteners.

8. Coconut

Coconut ranks highly in saturated fats, but if used sparingly, it is not a big threat to your blood glucose levels. Coconuts are used to flavour different types of dishes. Its different parts can be used, be it, coconut milk, coconut flour, its flesh and also coconut water. However, it’s important to know which part you are using to determine the glycemic index as well as nutritional benefits.

9. Apricots

Apricots are sweet and have a delicate flavour. They have a wide range of nutrients and this makes them worthwhile to be added to a diabetic diet. Apricots can help you satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about your blood sugars due to their low glycemic index. Dried apricots are also a great alternative when eaten in small amounts.

10. Oranges

An orange is an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, Smithson says. Although they’re sweet, oranges are actually low on the glycemic index (GI), according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and have a GL of 4, per Oregon State University.

Do factor in that one orange isn’t exactly a low-carb food, Smithson notes. It contains about 18 g of carbs, plus 72 calories, 1.45 g of protein, and less than 0.2 g of fat, according to the USDA.

Oranges provide other key nutrients, including vitamin C. Opt for the whole fruit instead of juice for more fiber and antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage, Smithson adds, as well as decrease any effect on blood sugar.