The primary purpose of a diabetic diet is to control blood glucose levels by moderating intake of carbohydrates and sugars, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Most diabetics also choose foods that are low in saturated fats, because diabetes carries an increased risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Vegans, who do not consume meats or any other products derived from animal sources, can choose plant-based foods that can help manage diabetes symptoms.
Check with your doctor before adopting a vegan diet to control diabetes.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are common vegan sources of protein, and are used by many vegans to replace meats. According to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," these foods are also rich sources of dietary fiber, which may help manage blood glucose levels and reduce the body's need to produce insulin. Unlike meats, these foods do not contain saturated fats. Choose dried beans and legumes, such as chickpeas and navy beans, instead of canned versions, which may be high in sodium.
Vegetables
Most vegetables contain less than 5g of carbohydrates per serving, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Carbohydrates are the primary components of foods that cause elevated blood glucose levels. Low-carbohydrate vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, squash and bell peppers also provide antioxidant vitamins and trace minerals necessary to protect the immune system and the tissues of the body.
Fruits
Although many people assume that sweet fruits would be unacceptable in a diabetic diet, most of these vegan foods can be enjoyed by diabetics in moderation, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch. Fruits typically contain a sugar called fructose, which is not converted to glucose by the body. Fresh fruits such as apples, avocados, bananas, oranges and pears also contain antioxidant vitamins needed to help the body resist disease.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds may be included in a vegan diabetic diet in moderation, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch. Although these foods are typically high in calories, they contain unsaturated fats, which do not directly contribute to cardiovascular disease. Walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and pistachios are also low-carbohydrate sources of dietary fiber.
References
- Vegetarian Resource Group: Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C; 1997
