If You’re Diabetic, You Need To Be Eating More Of These Foods (2024)

Dark Chocolate Really Is Good For You

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Unsplash/@dovilerm

Diabetes and chocolate have always been enemies, at least on the surface. But diabetics can still have a decadent candy once in a while. The Global Diabetes Community in the U.K. recommends dark chocolate, which is chocolate that has 70% or more cocoa. It has fewer sugar additives than other kinds of chocolate.

As with all sweets, you have to limit your consumption of dark chocolate. Nutritionist Nicole Anziani says that just an ounce of dark chocolate can produce enough cortisol to assuage stress and lower cravings. The Global Diabetes Community recommends eating it before exercising.

Contrary To What You Might Have Heard, Eggs Are Good For Cholesterol

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

People have been talking about eggs raising your cholesterol levels for years, but recent studies have shown that this is not the case at all. In fact, eggs reduce LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind) and raise HDL cholesterol (the heart-healthy kind).

During the 2011 study, participants ate two eggs a day to receive the heart-healthy benefits. Eggs also contain a lot of protein which helps keep you fuller for longer and helps you maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

The Power Of Apple Cider Vinegar

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Anjelika Gretskaia/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Apple cider vinegar really is a superfood. this liquid is basically apples that have been fermented into acetic acid, which lowers the carbs to one gram per tablespoon. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to help stabilize insulin levels.

According to one study by the American Diabetes Association, taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed reduces fasting blood sugar by 6% in people with diabetes. This stuff may not taste great, but if you can stomach it, it can work wonders for your health.

Avocado Is The Best

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JOSE CASTANARES/AFP via Getty Images

Avocado are a yummy source of "healthy fats," monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that stabilize healthy cholesterol levels. Registered dietitian Jackie Newgent says that avocado's fats and fiber aid people with diabetes. "[Avocados] help slow carbohydrate digestion and absorption and prevent spikes in blood sugar," she explains.

There's also evidence that avocados help people manage weight. In 2013, a crossover study indicated that participants felt more satisfied and fewer cravings after eating avocados. This helped overweight participants lose some extra pounds. Even if weight isn't an issue, avocados can still benefit diabetics.

The Importance Of Citrus Fruit

Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images

Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons have been linked to lowering people's overall glycemic index. The American Diabetes Association lists citrus fruits as diabetic superfoods. Although lemons and oranges are acidic, they still help diabetes. According to Harvard Health Publishing, eating citrus juice with a high GI food lowers the overall glycemic index. The acidity in citrus fruits converts starch into sugar, which has a gentler effect on blood sugar.

Citrus fruits also prevent insulin resistance according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

A Glass Of Milk In The Morning

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Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

Milk does contain lactose, which is a form of sugar, so for years, scientists have been wondering how it interacts with diabetic patients. Recently, more and more studies are finding a positive link between the two. In the Journal of Dairy Science, a 2018 study found that eating breakfast with milk may help diabetic people throughout the day.

Milk contains protein which helps you feel fuller for longer. In 2016, scientists at Tel Aviv University reported that dairy products control blood sugar more effectively than eggs and soy.

The Wonders Of Cauliflower

Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Cauliflower is a low-carb, flexible vegetable that can sneak into any dish. It also controls blood sugar in people with diabetes. During an animal study published in Science Translational Medicine, cauliflower improved glucose tolerance in rats with a high-sugar diet.

That's not to say that you can binge on sugar and then cure it with cauliflower. But it does suggest that cauliflower can fit into a diabetic diet, especially cauliflower pizza. Pair it with an organic tomato sauce and a low-glycemic cheese, and you have a meal!

A Dash Of Cinnamon Goes A Long Way

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Chris Walton/South China Morning Post via Getty Images

Several studies have suggested that cinnamon soothes diabetic symptoms. In 2012, a study in Nutrition Research found that cinnamon extract improved blood sugar in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. The Journal of Diabetes Research noted the same result from cinnamon tea.

Chronic diabetes is determined by measuring hemoglobin A1c, which cinnamon directly affects. During a 2019 study, people with type 2 diabetes had lower A1c levels after consuming one gram of cinnamon every day for three months. You don't need a lot to make a difference. Stick to less than one teaspoon per day, as more can create health problems.

Cook With Olive Oil

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Whitney Hayward/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Although olive oil has a lot of calories, it reduces cholesterol more effectively than other types of fats. Olive oil contains healthy fats that regulate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. During a 2015 study, researchers from Sapienza University in Rome discovered that olive oil reduces the harmful cholesterol, LDL.

Credit goes to olive oil's antioxidants, called polyphenols. According to the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology, these antioxidants lower inflammation and protect your blood cells. This way, olive oil may help regulate blood pressure.

Have A Handful Of Berries

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Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Whether you prefer strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, all help to combat diabetes. In the journal Obesity, researchers from the Illinois Institute of Technology stated that berries benefit insulin resistance. In particular, those who ate two cups of raspberries a day had lower glucose concentrations.

Even a small amount of berries can reduce the risk of diabetes. In a Chinese study, those who ate 17 grams of berries had a 5% drop in their risk of type 2 diabetes. That's equal to 13 blueberries, nine raspberries, two blackberries, and one large strawberry.

Keep Munching On Those Sweet Potatoes

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Unlike other starchy foods, sweet potatoes reduce diabetic symptoms. Registered dietitian Leah Kaufman says that sweet potatoes have lower GI than white potatoes, so eating a medium-sized potato can regulate your blood sugar. They also provide anti-diabetic minerals such as vitamin C, iron, and fiber.

However, sweet potatoes' GI changes depending on how you cook them. In a 2011 study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, researchers report that boiled sweet potatoes have the lowest GI. Roasting increased sweet potato GI more than any other method, although frying was a close second.

Red Onion Lowers Blood Sugar

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FlowerPhotos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In case you needed another reason to add red onion to your dish, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that the oligofructose found in red onion increases levels of ghrelin. A hormone, ghrelin controls hunger and can lower blood sugar levels.

The study also found that due to bioactive sulfur-containing compounds found in red onions, they can also help lower cholesterol, making this food a two-for-one punch for diabetics. If you eat them raw, even better!

How Ginger Can Help

Romulo Yanes/Condé Nast via Getty Images

Romulo Yanes/Condé Nast via Getty Images

Although research on ginger and diabetes is limited, the current studies seem promising. In 2018, scientists examined several clinical studies in the Archives of General Internal Medicine. They concluded that ginger lowers LDL cholesterol and raises heart-healthy HDL cholesterol. The root also regulates blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the arteries and blood vessels. Ginger powder supplements also help type 2 diabetes, according to a study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Canned Tuna Helps Your Body Digest Carbs

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

Depending on the proteins and fats you eat with carbs, your body could digest the carbs much slower. Tuna fish is one of those proteins. In 2017, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined several protein-carb combinations. They noted that adding tuna to white bread produced a lower blood sugar spike.

As a fatty fish, tuna is also high in omega-3 fatty acids that stabilize glucose levels. Canned light tuna is low in mercury, unlike albacore tuna. So despite the added sodium, canned tuna could be a good choice in a diabetic diet.

Zucchini Noodles Are A Great Carb Alternative

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Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

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If you enjoy the taste of zucchini, you might consider making zucchini noodles in place of carbohydrate-heavy pasta. "Zoodles" as they're often called, have increased in popularity in recent years due to their similar texture and taste of pasta without all of the added carbs.

Use a countertop spiralizer or handheld spiralizer to make thin strips out of the zucchini that will form long spiral strands. Who knows, it might just change the way you look at pasta forever.

Garlic Is Delicious And Nutritious

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JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

If you love garlic, you're in luck. Several studies have reported that garlic regulates blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation. During 2011 research in Pakistan, people with type 2 diabetes consumed 900 mg of garlic daily over 24 weeks. In the end, participants experienced better cholesterol, glycemic control, and triglycerides.

According to the Journal of Ayub Medical College, garlic also decreases LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol. Although a small amount of garlic won't transform your health, it's still another reason to enjoy garlic.

The Magic Of Hummus

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Gabe Souza/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Hummus is a creamy spread made with chickpeas and olive oil. Because its main ingredients are good for diabetics, hummus makes a great diabetic snack as well. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Nicole Anziani praises it for its high protein, which keeps your blood sugar level.

According to a study in BMC Nutrition Journal, diabetics who ate one ounce of hummus had better insulin levels than those who did not. That could have to do with how both olive oil and chickpeas slow digestion and the absorption of sugar.

Nutritionists Recommend Greek Yogurt

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Pawel Dwulit/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Unlike other types of yogurt, Greek yogurt has low carbohydrates with high protein. Diabetes educator Tami Ross, RD, recommends Greek yogurt to all of her patients. Because it's a low GI food, Ross explains, you can eat it in the morning to manage your blood sugar throughout the day.

In 2014, a study published in BMC Medicine noted that yogurt reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers examined three large studies, and according to them, people who eat a cup of yogurt a day are 18% less likely to develop diabetes. So yogurt is clearly doing something right.

Coming up: the healthiest, easiest rice substitute.

Lentils Are Good Carbs

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Deb Lindsey For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Lentils not only have a minimal impact on your blood sugar levels, but they're also good for gut health, too. The carbs found in lentils are rich in resistant starch, which your body basically passes through without breaking down or digesting.

The legume is rich in iron and folate while also providing plenty of protein. Cook these up in 5-20 minutes for a healthy snack that's beneficial for diabetics and people with a sensitive stomach.

Stick To Whole Grains

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Chapeaux Marc/AGF/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Although some diabetic diets discourage bread, you don't have to cut out grains. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating whole grains if you have diabetes. Scientists from Chalmers University say that "there hasn't been a single study which has shown negative health effects" of whole grains on diabetes.

In 2018, these same researchers found that whole wheat reduces the risk of diabetes. Those who ate 50 grams a day (one bowl of cereal or one slice of bread had a 22% - 34% lower chance of developing diabetes. So don't be afraid of whole-grain bread.

Squash Contains Antioxidants

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Goran Kosanovic for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Squash is absolutely delicious and it makes for a very festive, very autumnal side dish. Squash is also very healthy. It contains antioxidants which have been shown to reduce insulin levels in animal studies. During a 2005 study, pumpkin proteins were fed to diabetic rats. The proteins increased serum insulin, lowered blood sugar, and heightened rats' tolerance to glucose.

One study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, recorded that winter squash improved blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Tomatoes Improve Blood Sugar

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Unsplash/@ecasap

Whether raw or cooked, tomatoes alleviate diabetic symptoms. During a 2011 study, participants who ate 200 grams (less than one cup) of tomatoes per day experienced better blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients also recorded improved blood pressure after eating tomatoes daily.

Tomatoes are non-starchy, low GI fruits (yes, they're fruits) with few carbohydrates. According to research, tomato's high vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, and lycopene make them anti-diabetic and potentially anti-heart disease. It's no wonder why the American Diabetes Association recommends tomatoes.

Edamame Is A Perfect Snack

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Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Edamame contains a host of anti-diabetic benefits, according to registered dietitian and nutritionist Jenna Braddock. She says that edamame's high fiber (ten grams per cup) and high protein can prevent blood sugar spikes. It also provides choline, a nutrient that erases markers of heart disease from the bloodstream.

There have been some suggestions that soy does not benefit diabetes. However, more research is needed to substantiate this claim. Most nutritionists recommend edamame as a small source of soy, since the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Have Some Popcorn

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Paltu Shyamal/IndiaPictures/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If it's not from a movie theatre, popcorn is one of the best snacks for diabetics. Raw, whole-grain popcorn without butter or oils is a low-fat, low-sugar craving cutter. According to research in Advances in Nutrition, popcorn helps people feel fuller, which prevents extra snacking and blood sugar spikes later on.

Although popcorn is a low GI food, it's on the higher end than other snacks. You'll want to measure your serving sizes before digging in, as popcorn is a carbohydrate. But compared to chips or crackers, it's a superior option.

Eating More Nuts May Prevent Heart Disease

Photo by Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images

Photo by Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images

Nuts are a great source of protein and also very helpful for people who are dealing with diabetes. A 2019 study in Circulation showed that consuming a handful of nuts per day decreases the likelihood of heart disease in diabetic patients. After eating one-ounce servings of nuts five times a week, those with type 2 diabetes were 17% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

According to the study, the best nuts for achieving this effect were walnuts, pistachios, and almonds.

Broccoli Is Good For Your Liver

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Anjelika Gretskaia/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

While all cruciferous vegetables are healthy for diabetes, broccoli contains a special antioxidant called sulforaphane. In 2017, an animal study in Science Translational Medicine showed that sulforaphane regulates blood sugar. It after undoes signs of disease in the liver.

After the success of the animal study, researchers tested the compound on humans and found the same result. That's not to say that eating broccoli will cure all signs of disease. Rather, it's a natural source of sulforaphane that could help your blood sugar levels.

Stick With Dark Leafy Greens

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You can't go wrong with dark leafy vegetables. Vegetables such as spinach and kale, are essential for managing diabetes. They contain high levels of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. In 2015, researchers found that vitamin C reduces inflammatory markers and blood sugar.

Leafy greens are packed with minerals while being low in calories and carbohydrates. Definitely incorporate spinach and kale into your diabetic diet. You can cook up these vegetables, eat them raw, or blend them into a healthy smoothie.

Asparagus Is A Great Vegetable

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Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Asparagus tops the list as one of the best foods for diabetics, so if you love it you're in luck! The green sticks are rich in folate, containing 89 micrograms of it which is more than 20% of your daily recommended value of the stuff.

For people with Type 2 diabetes, a diet with folic acid lowers your risk for cardiovascular problems because it helps reduce hom*ocysteine levels. That's incredibly valuable to diabetics, as a high hom*ocysteine level has been identified as an increased risk of mortality in diabetics.

Drink Seltzer Water Instead Of Soda

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Charlotte Ball/PA Images via Getty Images

Instead of picking up a sugar-filled, pro-diabetes soda can, opt for unsweetened seltzer. Seltzer water is a mineral-free water that's carbonated with carbon dioxide. In one study, people who drank fizzy water for two months had healthier cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Seltzer water comes in many flavors, so you don't have to drink it plain. Compare it to soda or fruit juice, and you have a much healthier option. It contains no sugar and sometimes some fiber. So crack open a cold can and enjoy!

Quinoa Is A Great Rice Alternative

Photo by Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

Photo by Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

It isn't great for people with diabetes to eat grains such as rice and wheat which have a high glycemic index, but if you're diabetic and you can't get enough grains, try quinoa as a high-protein alternative to rice. Quinoa is a seed that's eaten as a grain, similar to rice. One cup of cooked quinoa contains only 40 carbohydrates.

According to a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, Peruvian Andean grains like quinoa contain powerful antioxidants.

Green Tea Can Boost Your Metabolism

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Unsplash/@moniqa

Tasty and hydrating, green tea is a sugar-free alternative to plain water. And according to cardiologist Susanne Steinbaum, DO, it also increases green tea sensitivity. "Green tea is good for people with diabetes because it helps the metabolic system function better," she told Everyday Health.

Because green tea fights off obesity, it also helps to prevent diabetes. During a Japanese study, participants who drank six cups of green tea per day were 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. But you don't have to drink that much green tea to reap the benefits.

Oatmeal Has Optimal Fiber

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Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images

It's no secret that oatmeal supplies fiber. But its type of fiber, beta-glucan, differs from most other food. According to research in Vascular Health and Risk Management, beta-glucan regulates blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, and decreases the risk of hypertension in people with diabetes.

However, you won't find this anti-diabetic effect in most flavored oatmeal packets. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Jackie Newgent advises diabetics to buy savory oatmeal. You can get raw oats or steel-cut oats and then add the sweet flavor through honey, cinnamon, or fruit.

Chia Seeds Are The Perfect Diabetic Food

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Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

With high fiber and low carbs, chia seeds are the perfect diabetic food. They also supply omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for diabetes. During a 2017 controlled trial, diabetic patients who ate chia seeds experienced weight loss and more glycemic control. Over six months, chia seeds showed better results than an oat bran alternative.

Keep in mind that soaking chia seeds in water helps your body absorb their nutrients. You don't have to soak them overnight; simply drop them in water for two to three minutes before adding the seeds to smoothies, oatmeal, or cereal.

Flaxseed Helps Lower Blood Sugar

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Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

Like chia seeds, flaxseeds provide healthy fatty acids. During a 2016 study in Current Pharmaceutical Design, researchers revealed that flaxseed increases insulin sensitivity, which allows blood sugar to drop over time. However, the result was not repeated in other studies.

Even so, flaxseeds have high fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Dr. Asquel Getaneh of Everyday Health, ALA is a fatty acid that may work to prevent heart disease, which diabetics are susceptible to. If you incorporate flaxseeds into your diet, make sure that your blood sugar doesn't drop too much.

Carrots Are Full Of Vitamin A

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Nikolas Joao Kokovlis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Some people have heard that carrots are loaded with too much sugar, but this is a misconception. A registered dietitian from Seattle, Rene Ficek, combats this. She says that carrots are as non-starchy as broccoli and lettuce, so they're safe to eat without fear of a blood sugar spike.

If you're still nervous, Ficek recommends eating the carrots raw. "Cooking vegetables makes their carbohydrates more bioavailable," she explains, "so sticking with raw will have a more minimal impact on blood sugar." Carrots make a great low-carb snack when dipped in guacamole or hummus.

How Fatty Fish Can Be Good For Your Arteries

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Photo by: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Fish that contain a lot of fat such as salmon also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain fatty acids such as DHA and EPA which reduce inflammation in your arteries. These fatty acids allow your arteries to function after a large meal, which in turn helps your metabolism.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes eat fatty fish twice a week. Get ready for some delicious and nutritious salmon dinners!

Celery Is A Low Calorie Snack

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Celery is a low-calorie vegetable full of vitamins. Physicians and nutritionists alike recommend celery as a diabetic snack because it has virtually no calories. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation added the celery lowers blood pressure and stabilizes blood sugar.

In 2012, a study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases discovered that the bacterium H. Pylori can triple a person's risk of type 2 diabetes. Celery can block the growth of H. Pylori and, by doing so, prevent blood sugar from rising. Thank its high amounts of vitamin K for this ability.

Wild Rice Is Better Than Brown Rice

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JOHN CROFT/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Although we've established that whole-grain rice is safe to eat, we haven't discussed wild rice. Wild rice is made from grasses, so it contains more protein than brown rice. Like other diabetes-safe rices, wild rice has a moderate GI which makes it safe to eat in moderation.

Wild rice also provides fiber, which registered dietitian Beth Reardon supports. She says that fiber-rich rices keep blood sugar steady because it is not digested by the body. Combined with the high protein, wild rice may inhibit blood sugar spikes.

Incorporate More Beans Into Your Diet

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Beans, especially black beans, are full of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The American Diabetes Association advises that you eat beans a couple of times each week. Beans were proven to help people gain better glycemic control in a 2012 study published in JAMA.

The fiber in beans slows the absorption of sugar to improve blood glucose levels. A high-fiber diet can also prevent type 2 diabetes for those with high risk. You know what they say, "beans, beans, they're good for your heart..."

Now, read on to learn about some everyday habits that could dramatically change your diabetes risk.

Quit Drinking "Empty Calories"

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Sugary drinks--even naturally sugary ones--contribute to diabetes risk. Health experts refer to these as "empty calories," only feeding your body calories without any nutritional benefit. In 2019, a Harvard study determined that drinking four ounces of sweet drinks per day raises your diabetes risk by 16%.

Even "natural" drinks, such as 100% fruit juices, contribute to type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that sweet drinks add many other risks, including a higher BMI and worse overall diet. An easy way to avoid diabetes is to cut out these beverages.

Always Bring A List To The Grocery Store

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Wodicka/ullstein bild via Getty Images

Believe it or not, shopping without a grocery list can impact your diabetes risk. Why? Because when you spontaneously shop, you're more likely to buy unhealthy food. In 2016, an Australian survey found that three out of five people struggle to avoid junk food at the grocery store--even if they go there with healthy intentions.

Registered dietitian Barb Klingler says that a grocery list will prevent you from impulse-buying. Plan ahead to cook healthy meals filled with vegetables, Klingler says. These will reduce your blood sugar and lower your chances of diabetes.

Avoid Midnight Snacking

Toni L. Sandys/Washington Post

Toni L. Sandys/Washington Post

Night owls may think nothing about a late-night snack, but health experts caution against it. A 2017 study in Experimental Physiology determined that eating at night can heighten your risk of diabetes. Simply put, late snacks mess with our body's biological clock.

Registered dietitian Daniela Novotny explains that eating during the day improves glycemic control. When the body digests food at night, it struggles to handle blood sugar. Plus, feeling full may disrupt your sleep. If you can, let your body digest food for around three hours before you go to bed.

Don't Isolate Yourself

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Tim Graham/Getty Images

Spending too much time alone can harm your physical health. According to a BMC Public Health study, socially isolated people are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the University of North Carolina explained that loneliness increases inflammation, blood pressure, and weight gain.

Scientists still aren't 100% sure why social isolation creates physical effects. But some believe that less emotional support leads to unhealthy life choices, such as a poor diet or more work stress. If you want to lower your risk of diabetes, spend more time with friends and loved ones.

Stop Microwaving Plastic

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Kenneth Chan/South China Morning Post via Getty Images

Although plastic containers can be microwaved safely, they come with a risk. In 2015, a study from NYU Langone Medical Center examined heated plastic. When you microwave it, chemicals can leak into your food. These chemicals affect your insulin resistance, increasing your chances of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Lead author Leonardo Transande reported a "significant association" between plastic packaging, high blood pressure, and insulin imbalance. Avoid microwaving packaged food when you can. If you want to cover a dish, don't let plastic wrap touch your food.

Pay More Attention To Sodium In Food

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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

According to the FDA, the average American eats 50% more salt than the daily recommended intake. This is a huge problem for people developing diabetes. In 2017, a study in Diabetologia concluded that too much sodium could increase your diabetes risk by up to 43%.

Dr. Bahareh Rasouli, a Swedish researcher who examined diabetes, says that salt messes with insulin resistance. Excess salt leads to hypertension and weight gain, both of which are precursors to type 2 diabetes. Most salt in our diet comes from preservatives and artificial flavors, so check the nutrition label before buying food.

Get More Sunshine

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

If you don't get enough vitamin D, you may be at risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has explored several studies connecting the vitamin to the disease. People with low vitamin D levels have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, researchers say.

Registered dietitian Vandana R. Sheth believes that vitamin D deficiency interferes with the pancreas' ability to process insulin. Fortunately, you don't have to lay out in the sun to get vitamin D, either. Many people receive vitamin D from egg yolks, cheese, fish, and mushrooms.

Remember To Eat Breakfast!

FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Although skipping breakfast may be the norm for some people, it raises your diabetes risk. Research in the Journal of Nutrition examined six studies on breakfast. Scientists found that the more you skip breakfast, the higher your risk becomes. Skipping once a week heightens your chances by 6%, and four to five times a week increases that to 55%.

According to the researchers, this risk occurred regardless of the person's weight. That said, obese people are far more likely to skip breakfast. Scientists believe that ignoring breakfast links to other unhealthy behaviors, such as eating more calories throughout the day.

TV Hurts More Than Anything Else

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Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images

If there's one danger of watching TV, it's sitting for several hours. More sitting means less time exercising and more mindless eating, so it's no wonder that TV contributes to diabetes. In 2015, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes concluded that every hour of TV watching raises your diabetes risk by 3.4%.

Notably, participants who were discouraged from sitting were not persuaded to exercise. But that's what happened anyway--when people stayed away from the TV, they worked out more. If you want to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, simply unplug your television.

Why Losing Sleep Hurts More Than You think

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NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP via Getty Images

In America, one in three people get less than seven hours of sleep per night. This greatly increases peoples' risk of diabetes. In 2018, Japanese researchers reported that losing one hour of sleep per night increases your chance of type 2 diabetes. That's equal to one all-nighter per week.

Why does sleep impact diabetes? According to the National Sleep Foundation, avoiding sleep throws off your hormones. Sleep produces insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin imbalance is one of the leading indicators of type 2 diabetes.

Overeating Has Long-Term Consequences

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Mike Kemp/In PIctures via Getty Images

From binge eating to emotional eating, people can slip into overeating for several reasons. But doing so regularly could lead to diabetes. A study from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that overeating impairs how the brain processes insulin. Over time, this may contribute to diabetes.

Overeating does more than make people gain weight. A study in Science Translational Medicine found that high-calorie diets cause inflammation, cellular stress, and insulin resistance. The occasional binge won't hurt you, but consistently having large meals could heighten your chance of type 2 diabetes.

The Side Effect Of Low-Carb Diets

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Low-carb diets have become a popular option for people looking to lose weight. Even if people lose weight on these diets, their risk of diabetes rises. In 2019, researchers from Ohio State University linked low-carb, high-fat diets to a higher likelihood of diabetes.

Registered dietitian Jill Weisenberger asserts that whole grains improve insulin resistance. With whole grains and high fat, some people's bodies may not respond well to insulin, even if they lose weight. That isn't to say that you can't enjoy a low-carb diet; just be aware of the risks.

Occasional Workouts Aren't Enough

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Scott Wilson/PA Images via Getty Images

Exercising once or twice a month isn't enough to quell your diabetes risk. In 2009, researchers concluded that regular exercise is crucial for preventing diabetes. According to the University of Copenhagen, physical activity directs blood sugar to the muscles, which delays the onset of diabetes.

Any workout can help your health in the long run. Harvard Health Publishing emphasizes that any exercise--aerobic, strength training, or stretching--can reduce your chances of diabetes. During one study, women who walked for four hours per week had a lower risk of diabetes than those who didn't.

No Need To Avoid Coffee

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JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images

You don't have to quit coffee to remain healthy. Studies suggest that coffee can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Research in the Journal of Natural Products reports that coffee increases insulin, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers blood glucose levels.

Chinese scientists believe that major compounds in coffee block toxins that would otherwise kickstart diabetes. A protein called hIAPP (human islet amyloid polypeptide) often raises diabetes risk, but coffee compounds halt this protein. Even decaf options can shrink your risk, as long as you don't drink sugar-filled coffees.

The Downside Of The Gluten-Free Diet Trend

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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In 2014, three times as many Americans were on a gluten-free diet than in 2009. But this health fad has some downsides. Research from 2017 found that low-gluten diets raise peoples' risk of type 2 diabetes. Some believe that it's because most people get their daily fiber intake from grains.

Of course, people with celiac disease require a gluten-free diet. But researchers wonder if there are any benefits for people who don't have celiac, says Harvard scientist Geng Zong. If you're going to go gluten-free, make sure you eat enough fiber to balance your blood glucose levels.

Not All Vegetables Are Created Equal

Justin Tsucalas for the Washington Post

Justin Tsucalas for the Washington Post

Yes, vegetables can delay type 2 diabetes. But some vegetables help more than others. Registered dietitian Lisa DeFazio says that starchy vegetables--including corn, peas, and sweet potatoes--count more as carbs than vegetables. The American Diabetes Association claims that starch can spike your blood sugar, raising your risk of diabetes.

That doesn't mean you have to avoid starchy vegetables entirely. Peas, beets, potatoes, and parsnips are still loaded with nutrients. But you should eat them in moderation, especially if you have prediabetes or are at high risk.

Are You Staying Hydrated?

Carsten Rehder/picture alliance via Getty Images

Carsten Rehder/picture alliance via Getty Images

Seventy-five percent of people in the US are chronically dehydrated, according to a study from the Institute of Medicine. Dehydration has many health consequences, such as raising your risk of diabetes.

In 2011, researchers from the American Diabetes Association found that dehydration raises blood sugar levels. When you don't drink water, the body struggles to pump blood, which can mess with your insulin over time. Even mild dehydration can affect your blood sugar levels. Don't let dehydration become chronic; make an active effort to drink water throughout the day.

Limit Your Drinks To One Glass Per Day

David Silverman/Getty Images

David Silverman/Getty Images

If you drink, watch how many glasses you consume per night. Anything above a moderate intake can lead to type 2 diabetes. According to Drinkaware, alcohol reduces the body's sensitivity to insulin. Diabetes is also a common side effect of pancreatitis, which can be caused by drinking.

The carbohydrates in many alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, may raise blood sugar, and also stimulate your appetite, which could lead you to overeat, too.

Mix Up Your Workout

Tertius Pickard/ Touchline Photo/Getty Images

Tertius Pickard/ Touchline Photo/Getty Images

Any workout can help you to delay the onset of diabetes. But researchers have discovered that specific exercises work better than others. For instance, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that the best anti-diabetes workout combines strength training and aerobic training.

While most exercises will enhance blood sugar control, shaking up your workout could add on benefits. Scientists determined that a combination of exercises lowers your chance of diabetes by 25%. For example, you could run and lift weights, swim and perform squats, or jump rope and use weight machines.

It's Time To Tackle Stress

JHU Sheridan Libraries/Gado/Getty Images

JHU Sheridan Libraries/Gado/Getty Images

Stress has many side effects beyond emotional turmoil, including the risk of prediabetes. In 2018, researchers reported that long-term stress might double the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. While occasional stress is normal, chronic, untreated stress can have health consequences.

According to Diabetes UK, this happens because of the stress hormones, cortisol, and adrenaline. The "fight or flight" response from these hormones raises your blood sugar. Over time, this could result in insulin resistance. If you have chronic stress, don't just "live with it" or leave it unchecked.