Diabetes can often be controlled with diet, in conjunction with medical attention and prescription medications, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This disease affects your body's ability to control blood sugar with insulin, a chemical manufactured by the pancreas. Dietary choices determine the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. A healthy diet also helps manage high cholesterol, a common problem associated with diabetes.
Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber is a critical food component for managing diabetes. Consume foods high in dietary fiber such as raw vegetables, whole-grain pastas and breads, nuts and seeds. Dietary fiber helps regulate the introduction of glucose into the bloodstream, according to the Balches. It may also help lower low-density lipoproteins, the "bad" cholesterol that contributes to high cholesterol and blockages in the arteries.
Lean Proteins
Opt for lean sources of protein in place of red meats, which are high in saturated fats. Fish, chicken, turkey and low-fat dairy products are sources of lean protein, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Soy products, such as soy milk and tofu, also contain lean proteins. Lowering your intake of saturated fats is an important part of managing blood cholesterol and preventing heart disease.
Avoid Refined Flour
White breads and pastas, doughnuts, pastries and bagels are made from refined flours, which have been subjected to extensive processing. Flour processing and bleaching removes dietary fiber, vitamins and other nutrients, converting the flour from a complex carbohydrate into a simple carbohydrates. Unlike complex carbohydrates that are slowly turned into glucose by your body, simple carbohydrates are converted into glucose quickly, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Avoid products made from refined flours to help manage your diabetes symptoms, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
