Lab results revealed that my blood sugar is nearing prediabetic levels. I already avoid most fruit and carbs. What else can I do?
You’re wise to avoid processed carbs and sugar, but one fruit may actually help keep blood sugar in check. Researchers at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego found that eating half a grapefruit before two meals a day significantly improves insulin sensitivity in prediabetics. The flavonoid naringenin stimulates the activity of cells’ insulin receptors to improve their response to this blood sugar-regulating hormone. Naringenin has also been shown to activate genes that promote fat burning in the liver. One precaution: Ask your doctor about interactions with any prescriptions you take since naringenin can interfere with the body’s metabolism of drugs and cause them to build up to dangerous levels in the blood.
Also smart: Make sure your meals contain at least 3 oz. of protein and 1/2 tsp. of a healthy fat like olive oil or almond butter. This combination will slow digestion to moderate the release of glucose into the blood.
