For the diabetic, life is never a given. There are so many ways that the disease affects the body that there is really no simple solutions to living a long, healthy life. Beyond the specter of limb amputation and blindness is the reality that a heart attack, or some other form of heart disease could be right around the corner. Because of these risks, there are certain aspects of a diabetic's diet that need to be closely watched.
Food high in fat
Because of the increased risk of heart disease (statistics indicate that someone with diabetes is two to four times more likely to develop heart disease during their life) high-fat foods like milk, cheese, butter and many of the meats you may enjoy need to be limited. Fatty foods increase the risk of heart attack by clogging up the arteries. If you enjoy your dairy you can still have it, just opt for the lighter version, i.e., skim milk instead of 2 percent, low-fat cheese and so on.
High-Sugar Content Foods
Obviously, since a diabetic's body has trouble processing sugar, a diet that's loaded with sugar is ill advised. That's not to say that sugar can't be a part of your diet. As long as the diet is supplemented with smart meal choices, you can still indulge the sweet tooth. An article in the American Diabetes Association proposes that a little chocolate may be a good thing in that dark chocolate has antioxidants, which are great for your health. The recommendation is to look for chocolate high in cocoa content (80 percent or more).
Watch the Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are generally OK with diabetics, but there are a few catches. Carbohydrate consumption should be moderate because foods high in carbohydrates also tend to have a higher sugar content. The carbohydrates a diabetic consumes need to be higher in fiber. Fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts are great sources of carbohydrates with high-fiber content.
