Dietary adjustments for diabetes allows for the best possible management of the condition while avoiding possible related complications, notes MedlinePlus. Diabetes impairs the body's capacity to utilize insulin, a hormone that helps the body metabolize blood sugar. As such, a diabetic diet requires a limited sugar intake and careful regulation of the intake of certain foods. Diabetic dietary parameters can be flexible and varied.
Beans and Nuts
Though starchy and fatty foods are generally discouraged diabetic food options, beans and nuts can be excellent components of a diabetic diet, notes MayoClinic.com. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain fat that is generally considered healthier than fat contained in red meat, for example. Beans are excellent sources of protein.
Fat-Free Dairy Products
Fat-free dairy products such as milk and yogurt may be included in diabetic food choices, the American Diabetes Association. Moreover, fat-free dairy products should ideally contain very little to no sugar so as to avoid unnecessarily elevating blood sugar levels.
Fish
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna and salmon are excellent food options in a diabetic diet, explains MayoClinic.com. Heart-friendly fish are not only excellent because of their low cholesterol levels, but also because they can be excellent sources of protein as well.
Fruits
Fruits are excellent diabetes diet food choices, notes the American Diabetes Association. Fruits can be excellent sources of fiber, but also of carbohydrates, explains MayoClinic.com. Avocado is a good example of a fruit that can be a healthy source of fat. Moreover, fruits are also rich sources of vitamins and minerals.
Lean Meat
Meats that have low fat content are excellent diabetic dietary options, notes the American Diabetes Association. Doing so can also ensure that the body's fat and cholesterol levels remain at healthy levels. Nevertheless, the intake of lean meat should not remain within healthy parameters in order to avoid other conditions related to excessive meat consumption.
Poultry
Meat from poultry such as chicken and turkey are healthy diabetes dietary options, notes MayoClinic.com. In addition to containing lower fat levels, poultry is a rich source of protein.
Vegetables
Vegetables that contain low levels of starch can be great sources of fiber and carbohydrates, explains MayoClinic.com. Moreover, vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins that can promote overall health.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as wheat bran are generally healthy diabetic dietary options, notes the American Diabetes Association. These can be rich sources of fiber and carbohydrates.
