Individuals with diabetes should have firm knowledge of the effect of food on their blood glucose. Certain foods are more prone to spike blood glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia. A diabetic needs to control his blood glucose and keep it fairly level. Low glycemic foods and those high in fiber and protein can help keep blood sugars low and consistent.
Low Glycemic Foods
Low glycemic foods are said to affect blood glucose minimally and over a longer period of time than high glycemic foods, according to GlycemicIndex.com. A study published in "Diabetes Care" in 1991 by J. C. Brand and colleagues reported that a low glycemic diet gives a diabetic better blood glucose control. Examples of low glycemic foods are oatmeal, porridge and pasta.
Fiber
Fiber comes from plant sources and includes the indigestible portion of many grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables, states the American Diabetes Association. A healthy diet should contain 25 to 30g of fiber per day. A study published in "Nutrition Reviews" in 2009 by Dr. McIntosh and colleagues found that a diet high in fiber offered diabetics better glycemic control.
Protein
A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates can lead to low blood sugar. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2003 conducted by Emma Farnsworth and colleagues separated participants into two groups--high protein, low carbohydrate diet and low protein, high carbohydrate diet. The comparison of these groups revealed that a high protein diet from meat and dairy can have positive effects on metabolism and glycemic control.
References
- They Glycemic Index: What is the Glycemic Index?
- "Diabetes Care"; Low-Glycemic Index Foods Improve Long-Term Glycemic Control in NIDDM; Brand, JC, et al.;Volume 14, Number 2, 1991
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrates
- "Nutrition Reviews"; A Diet Containing Food Rich in Insolube and Soluble Fiber Improves Gylcemic Control and Reduces Hyperlipidemia Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; McIntosh, PHD, Michael, et al.; 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of a High-Protein, Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition, Glycemic Control and Lipid Concentrations in Overweight and Obese Hyperinsulinemic Men and Women; Farnsworth, Emma, et al.; Volume 78, Number 1, 2003
