Managing Diabetes Naturally: How Hemp Seeds Support Blood Sugar Control

Managing diabetes involves making smart food choices that support stable blood sugar levels. Foods that reduce inflammation, and additionally promote overall metabolic health are key. Hemp seeds support blood sugar control naturally by providing all this. While there’s no single food that can “cure” diabetes, there are nutrient-dense superfoods that can help.  Hemp seeds are one of them and are gaining recognition in the diabetes-friendly food space.

If you’re not eating hemp seeds, you’re missing out on a truly healthy food, especially if you need to manage diabetes. Whole hemp seeds are crunchy and have a mild nutty flavor similar to sunflower seeds. They’re quite tasty and easy to eat. Over the years many of our customers who had type 2 diabetes, told us that including hemp seeds in their diet plan has helped them reverse their type 2 diabetes.

Hemp seeds are an excellent plant-based protein, including healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients. They offer a natural and sustainable way to support balanced blood sugar. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of hemp seeds for diabetes management, how they affect blood glucose levels, and easy ways to incorporate them into your daily meals.

Then take a brief look at what is causing the increase in diabetes – especially in children; and what you can do to avoid diabetes.

Why Hemp Seeds Support Blood Sugar and Are a Smart Food Especially for Diabetes

Hemp seeds are small but mighty powerful. A rich food source, with a full plate of nutrients that have been put together by Mother Nature. They supply:

• Plant Based Protein
• Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
• Magnesium and zinc
• Dietary fiber
• Low net carbohydrates

These components work together to help regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and fight inflammation — these are key factors in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Blood Sugar Balance Starts with Healthy Fats and Protein

One of the most compelling benefits of hemp seeds for people with diabetes is their macronutrient profile. With zero cholesterol, high levels of healthy fats, and a complete protein structure, hemp seeds hit a home run! Hemp seeds provide omega-6 and omega-3 in what is considered a perfect balance of 3:1. These healthy fats not only fight inflammation, they help supply you with energy.  Their plant-based protein carries 20 amino acids including the 9-essential amino acids we need to get from the food we eat. Thus eating hemp seeds:

• Slow carbohydrate digestion
• Prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes
• Increase satiety – being satisfied, thus reducing overeating and snacking

Making them an excellent addition to meals or snacks, especially for those following low-carb, high-protein, or plant-based diets for diabetes. All reasons why hemp seeds support blood sugar control.

Hemp Seeds provide Plant-Based Protein & Healthy Fats

The Role of Magnesium in Hemp Seeds for Insulin Sensitivity

Hemp seeds support blood sugar control because they’re an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral critical for blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that higher magnesium intake is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved glucose control in those already diagnosed.

Just 3 to 4 tablespoons of hemp seeds provide about 45% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium, making them one of the best plant-based sources available.

Hemp Seeds Support Blood Sugar Because of Fiber and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to insulin resistance and diabetes complications. Hemp seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid not commonly found in other foods. The fiber in the whole hemp seed is quite outstanding. Four (4) tablespoons will provide 12g of dietary fiber (43% DV) with 13g of complex carbohydrates (net carbs 1) – so combined with their soluble and insoluble fiber content, hemp seeds support:

• Improved gut health
• Better digestion
• Slower absorption of sugars
• Reduced inflammatory markers

Which is good for everyone, but especially beneficial for people who need to manage blood sugar levels daily. Thus hemp seeds support blood sugar control.

You need to be aware, that consuming too much omega-6, can induce inflammation. Many vegetable oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, and grape seed oil are high in omega-6. It’s not that these oils are bad for you. It’s a matter of balancing the fats you’re eating. Check out our blog post: Did You Know Your Body Can Become Fat by Not Eating Fats? This information may help you to make make better choices about the fats your eating.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Toasted Hemp Seeds with Sea Salt – Especially beneficial in regulating blood sugar

Easy Ways to Add Hemp Seeds to Support Blood Sugar for a Diabetic-Friendly Diet

Adding hemp seed foods to your routine is simple and delicious. Try:

• Sprinkling whole toasted hemp seeds over a salad, on Greek yogurt, or in oatmeal (unsweetened)
• Blending hemp seeds into low-sugar smoothies
• Adding hemp protein powder to shakes or energy bites
• Add hemp hearts (*see note) to your smoothies, salads and steamed vegetables
• Eat toasted whole hemp seeds with Sea Salt as a crunchy snack
• Use hemp flour in your baking

*Note regarding hemp hearts: Hemp hearts have all the same great nutrition as the whole hemp seeds except the fiber. Some people find hemp hearts more pleasing to eat. Even without the fiber, they’re very beneficial for helping support blood sugar.

What is the Number ONE Leading Cause of Diabetes?

There are several factors that contribute to varying degrees of insulin resistance. Obesity is the leading cause of diabetes. Lack of physical activity, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics and certain medications can all contribute to diabetes. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in that, type I diabetes and LADA happen when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

What is Causing the Increase in Diabetes – Why is Diabetes More Common Today?

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Both type I and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. But there is an increase in the number of children who are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Child obesity is the major contributing factor along with lack of physical activity and poor diet. Overweight children and adolescents (age 5-19) including obesity, has risen dramatically from just 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022.

Feeding this kind of food daily to growing children may contribute to diabetes

Don’t let your child become a statistic in becoming overweight. Help them to make healthy food choices. Teach them to read ingredient labels so they will learn to be informed about what they’re eating. Work on limiting your children’s access to products high in refined sugars by not purchasing foods, snacks and drinks that contain them. Tell them why hemp seeds support their good health and blood sugar. Encourage them to be active. (This does not mean to fat-shame a child.)

There is no cure for diabetes and no way to completely get rid of it. So prevention is your best plan of action. Type 2  diabetes can be reversed in most people and may allow for getting to where medications are not necessary by following a proper diet. Reversing diabetes means a routine of a healthy food choices and regular exercise.

How to Prevent & Avoid Diabetes –  Eating Nutrient Dense Foods Like Hemp Seeds Support Blood Sugar

Lifestyle changes may be needed.

• Lose extra weight
• Be more physically active
• Eat healthy plant foods
• Eat healthy fats
• Skip fad diets and make healthier choices

Final Thoughts: Hemp Seeds as a Functional Food for Diabetes

If you’re looking for a natural way to support blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and boost your nutritional intake, hemp seeds are worth adding to your diabetes-friendly food list. They’re plant-based, gluten-free, low in carbs, and packed with functional benefits that align with many dietary strategies for diabetes management.

While hemp seeds aren’t a cure, they are a powerful ally in your nutritional toolkit. As always, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes — but don’t be surprised if they recommend hemp seeds for diabetes management and blood sugar support. If they don’t, you may want to seek out a health care professional who is more informed.

Eating better is a journey. Feeling better is your reward.

Eat Better. Feel Better. You’re Worth It!