People can have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally occurs in childhood or adolescence and is linked to genetics. Type 2 diabetes occurs at different points in a person's life and is linked to poor diet and obesity. Some people with Type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar simply by changing their diet, but people with Type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin to regulate their blood sugar.
Proteins
It is important for people with either type of diabetes to continue to consume protein as a part of their daily diet, but the type of protein they consume may need to change. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing heart disease, having a stroke or suffering from kidney failure. According to the MayoClinic.com, diabetes causes arteries to harden more quickly and become clogged with cholesterol more easily.
Therefore, people with diabetes should replace some of their animal based proteins with proteins that are derived from plants. Animal proteins are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease. Diabetics should glean some of their protein from nuts, beans, tofu, peanut butter lentils and some soy products.
Fiber Rich
Fiber should be an important part of the diet of a person with diabetes. Fiber helps regulate and stabilize blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart disease, which is valuable for a person with diabetes.
The inability to regulate blood sugar levels naturally can lead to damaging spikes in blood sugar and risky dips in blood sugar. When blood sugar levels get to unhealthy high levels they cause long term damage to cells and when high enough a person can slip into a coma. Blood sugar levels that get too low can impair muscle coordination, reduce inhibitions, cause confusion, induce seizures and even result in death.
Fiber rich foods that should be included in the diet of a person with diabetes include whole grains found in pastas, bread, oats, quinoa and brown rice, beans, lentils, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of these throughout the day will ensure that a person who has diabetes obtains significant amounts of fiber.
Omega-3
People with diabetes should include foods that contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids in their regular diet. Walnuts, flaxseed and fatty fish such as salmon, herring and tuna are quality sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming significant amounts of Omega-3 will help keep the heart healthy.
Unsaturated Fats
The Cleveland Clinic reports that people with diabetes should consume most of their fat in the form of unsaturated fats rather than saturated fat, because healthy fat produces energy to keep the body properly functioning without increasing cholesterol. Eating foods such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts and avocados will provide a person with quality sources of unsaturated fats.
Careful with Sodium
People with diabetes should consume sodium with care because of their increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Try not to eat a large amount of processed foods and frozen foods that contain high amounts of sodium. Daily sodium intake should be no more than 2,000mg every day, reports the MayoClinic.com.
