High blood sugar levels that are not well-controlled can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body. The blood vessels can become narrow and hard and develop coronary artery disease. This means that those with diabetes are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Some of the dietary recommendations to help control blood sugar levels will also help to lower the risk of heart related complications. To fully manage this condition it is important to consume foods known to help manage diabetes and coronary artery diseases.
Low Fat Dairy Foods
Many dults with diabetes also have high blood pressure. Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up along the artery walls, which restricts blood flow to the heart and brain. Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup which is especially dangerous for diabetes.
To help prevent complications, the American Diabetes Association recommends consuming only low fat dairy products and dairy substitutes. This should be combined with limiting the intake of high fat meats, cooking with fat-free sprays and preparing foods by broiling, roasting or grilling, versus frying and baking.
Whole Grains
Heart attacks and strokes are the leading cause of death in those with diabetes, warns the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Steps can be taken, however, to lower the risk. This includes getting regular exercise and eating more high fiber and whole grain foods.
Focus on oat bran, oatmeal, whole-grain breads and cereals, versus high fat snacks and baked goods. Stay away from trans fat, shortening, lard, and foods with palm oil or coconut oil. Whole grains foods are considered heart healthy foods and they also tend to take a long time to digest, which means they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It will be important to learn to read nutrition labels and look for products that are unprocessed, with servings that are both low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber.
Fruits and Vegetables
According to the American Heart Association, diabetes tends to raise the undesirable kind of cholesterol and triglycerides and lower the good kind of cholesterol called HDL. In some cases this begins to occur before a diagnosis of diabetes is made. Carrying excess weight raises the risk of this complication even higher.
Weight management plays a large role in the treatment of both diabetes and coronary heart disease. For this reason, the diet should be high in fruits and vegetables which are low in calories. These foods are also known as filling foods, as they help the body feel full sooner and that full feeling lasts longer, to help curb hunger and binge eating. Blood sugar levels should be tested often as some fruits such as bananas and grapes can cause a spike in blood glucose levels and may need to be limited.
