Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose), often linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle factors like poor diet and inactivity. One powerful and natural way to help manage—and in some cases, even reverse—Type 2 diabetes is through dietary changes. High-fiber foods play a crucial role in this process. They help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and keep you feeling full longer, which can support weight loss and better metabolic health.
Charmaine Ha Dominguez, MPH, RDN, recently shared the four high-fiber foods you should be eating daily if you want to manage or even “reverse type 2 diabetes.” According to her, black beans, broccoli, edamame, and blueberries are some of the best options. Read on to learn more.
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1. Black beans
Black beans are packed with soluble fiber, which slows down digestion and the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. Black beans also have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood glucose levels.
“Black beans are extremely high in soluble fiber, which can help you lower your blood lipids, helping you reverse insulin resistance. It’s also high in magnesium as well, and magnesium can help support glucose metabolism," she says.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the top vegetables recommended for managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates but high in fiber, which helps slow down the digestion process and prevents sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Dominguez says, “Broccoli is high in chromium, which can also support glucose metabolism. It's also high in fiber and can help you stabilize your blood sugar."
3. Edamame
The fiber in edamame slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Its plant-based protein also promotes satiety, which can reduce overeating and support weight loss—both important factors for improving insulin sensitivity.
“What edamame is is young soybeans. It is high in protein, and it can help you stabilize your blood sugar because it is so high in fiber," she adds.
4. Blueberries
Dominguez asks, “Did you know that blueberries can help lower your fasting insulin, lower your fasting glucose, and improve your insulin sensitivity?”
What makes blueberries especially beneficial is their high content of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
