Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells in your body, or the cells do not utilize insulin properly--or both. Diabetics are at a higher risk for a stroke, and they are more likely to have a stroke at an earlier age than other people. According to the Cleveland Clinic website, stroke and heart disease are the leading causes of death among diabetics. Eating a healthy diet is crucial to reducing your risk of having a stroke, recovering from one and reduce your risk of having another if you have already had one. A diet rich in healthy foods can help you control your weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as enable you to handle stroke therapy.
Grains
Diabetics and persons recovering from a stroke should substitute refined grains or white bread with whole grains, like whole-wheat pasta or bread, brown rice, whole-grain cereal or oat bran. These are also good sources of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce blood sugar.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and cholesterol, and they are also good sources of fiber. Choose dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach or kale, or richly colored fruits such as berries, plums, oranges and bananas. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to get the most nutritional value.
Protein/Dairy
Protein and dairy foods should always be low-fat or nonfat fare such as skim, 1 or 2 percent milk, low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese or yogurt, or nondairy calcium-rich foods such as sardines, salmon or collard greens. Lean meats and poultry, beans, fish and peas are good sources of protein.
Fat
Watching your cholesterol is especially important if you are diabetic or have suffered a stroke. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase your chances of a heart attack as well as another stroke. Avoiding foods high in trans and saturated fat can help you lower your cholesterol or keep it at normal levels. Trim fat away from the meat you eat. Bake, grill or broil your meats instead of frying them. Eat egg whites instead of egg yolks. Choose oils such as canola or olive instead of palm or coconut. Avoid shortenings, lard, butter or stick margarine.
Sodium
If you are recovering from a stroke, your sodium intake should be no more than 2,000 mg per day. Too much sodium raises blood pressure and makes you retain fluid. Read labels and choose only low-sodium or no-salt foods. Use herbs and spices instead of salt. Avoid processed or canned foods, and convenience foods like instant soups/vegetables, sauce mixes or boxed quick-cooking rice/pasta mixes. You should also avoid or limit foods like salted peanuts, pretzels or potato chips.
