Diet for people living with diabetes

Diabetes is basically a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). It has become a frequently recurring problem in the current world. It is often the case of concern for many people living with diabetes about what to eat and what is a perfect diabetes diet. A  diabetes diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes.

A diabetes diet will help a patient to control the blood sugar level in the body and help in preventing the disease from getting worse. 

A diabetes diet consists of different nutritional elements. Here is a list of things that you must include in your diet if you are suffering from diabetes -

• Healthy carbohydrates

During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break into blood glucose. Focus on healthy carbohydrates, such as:

-Fruits

-Vegetables

-Whole grains

-Legumes, such as beans and peas

-Low-fat dairy products, such as milk and cheese

Avoid less healthy carbohydrates, such as foods or drinks with added fats, sugars and sodium.

• Fibre-rich food

Foods high in fibre include:

-Vegetables

-Fruits

-Nuts

-Legumes, such as beans and peas

-Whole grains

Fibre moderates how your body digests and helps control blood sugar levels.

• Healthy fishes

There are many fishes that are rich in omega 3 which is very useful for a body fighting diabetes. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are most preferred for their nutritional value in a diabetic case. Avoid fried fish and fish with high levels of mercury, such as king mackerel.

• Body benefiting Fat

Foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower your cholesterol levels. These include:

-Avocados

-Nuts

-Canola, olive and peanut oils

Prevention in the diet -

There are different food that you should take care to limit or eliminate from your diet. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and hardened arteries. The list of such foods that should be avoided during diabetes is given below -

• Saturated fats 

Avoid high-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as butter, beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon. Also, limit coconut and palm kernel oils.

• Trans fats 

Avoid trans fats found in processed snacks, baked goods, and shortening and stick kinds of margarine.

• Cholesterol 

Cholesterol sources include high-fat dairy products and high-fat animal proteins, egg yolks, liver, and other organ meats. 

• Sodium

Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day. Your doctor may suggest you aim for even less if you have high blood pressure.

Conclusion

Nutritional balance is very essential for patients suffering from diabetes. People prone to diabetes are highly exposed to other heart-related diseases and some other problems as well. The best way to regulate and control diabetes on a regional basis is to balance your diet and strictly stick to the designed plan. In case of confusion while creating the perfect diet plan, consult your doctor or nutritionist to get the perfect idea of what things to include and what to eliminate from the diet plan.