According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 20.8 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes. This condition is characterized by insufficient production of insulin, a hormone that converts starches and sugars into energy. This condition is considered one of the top causes of disability and death in the United States. Some medical reearchers believe that a low-carb diet may help manage diabetes and regulate insulin production. Diet therapy is not a replacement for medical care. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet to manage diabetes.
Refined Flour and Sugar
Products that contain refined flour and sugars are simple carbohydrates, which the body quickly converts into glucose, notes Dr. James F. Balch, M.D., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." People with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin to use the glucose derived from these foods. This can cause long-term effects such as blindness, stroke, heart disease and kidney damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those with diabetes should limit or avoid simple carbohydrates, including white breads and pastas, doughnuts, sugary soft drinks and candy.
Whole Grains
Balch recommends replacing simple carbohydrate foods with whole grain breads, pastas and crackers, which are complex carbohydrates, Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates do not cause glucose spikes. Instead, these foods are converted slowly into glucose by the body, reducing the body's need for insulin. Whole grains and pastas also contain dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Starches
A low-carbohydrate diet also involves the reduction or elimination of starchy vegetables, which the body efficiently converts into glucose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Starchy vegetables include potatoes, winter squash, corn and peas.
Vegetables
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends replacing starchy vegetables with vegetables that are low in carbohydrates. These include dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Other good choices include green beans, broccoli and lettuces such as romaine.
Legumes
Legumes, like whole grain breads and pastas, offer dietary fiber to help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the body's dependence on insulin. Peanuts, soybeans, garbanzo beans, alfalfa and black beans are all good choices for a low-carb diabetic diet, according to Balch.
Other Blood Sugar Stabilizers
Balch recommends adding other foods to a low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes. These foods, including spirulina, lean fish, kelp, garlic and dairy products, may help stabilize glucose levels and prevent the long-term effects of diabetes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D.; 1997
