A rise in blood sugar is a dangerous symptom that could indicate type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not produce insulin properly. Patients with insufficient insulin levels can’t process sugars in the foods they eat. This leads to an accumulation of sugar, resulting in a myriad of symptoms like increased hunger or thirst, chronic fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent urination.

To help manage blood sugar safely, there are a variety of foods diabetics and patients with blood sugar issues can eat to keep blood glucose in healthy ranges:

1. Spinach

This dark leafy green is often considered a superfood. It contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid that has been shown to lower glucose levels. It also increases insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in people with diabetes. In addition, when scientists have studied alpha-lipoic acid, they have found that it helps with the peripheral neuropathy that often accompanies diabetes.

2. Cinnamon

This spice has not been studied as conclusively as other foods that help stabilize blood sugar. However, so far it is shown to have positive effects on reducing the sugar of people with diabetes. This spice is an important part of a healthy food intake. It contains manganese, iron, dietary fiber, and calcium. Derivatives of it have been shown to aid in a variety of ailments.

3. Eggs

Eggs have the advantage of being high in protein, helping steady blood sugar and insulin levels. Three of them have 20 grams of excellent protein. Another great advantage of eggs is that they can be hard boiled and taken on the go for a lunch or snack. Or, try adding them to a salad or sandwich. Although eggs do contain cholesterol, most people can eat them with no adverse effects.

4. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds aren’t a well known food, but they can be very advantageous to diabetics as a way to lower blood sugar. Flax has been around since about 3000 BC. The seeds and oil of this plant have many health-promoting compounds, and can help lower blood sugar and delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Flax seeds are one of the best plant sources of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This is an essential fatty acid that you have to get from your foods as your body doesn’t produce it.

5. Garlic

Garlic has been studied as an aid to lower blood sugar. In fact, a recent study showed that eating it can reduce blood sugar in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Garlic contains more than 400 chemical components, including allici, allyl propyl disulfide and S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide. Adding it to your diet could help to manage blood sugar levels.

The foods you consume can help you to reach healthy blood sugar levels and manage type 2 diabetes. Of course, it is always important to consult with your doctor before making major dietary changes.