Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin to break down the glucose or sugar in your blood stream and move it back into the cells to leave the body. Factors such as obesity and pancreatic disease may cause the problem of increased blood sugar to occur. Your doctor may need to evaluate you for medication, as well as give you a diet to follow to lower the blood sugar. Some foods can help you keep your glucose levels in check.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
You can get both fiber and nutrition by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Your body needs proper nutrition to break down carbohydrates in the body. Vitamin B, which is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, helps to break down carbohydrates in the body and has a blood sugar lowering effect, Vitamins-Nutrition.org reports.
Lean Meats and Fish
You can eat lean meats and fish, which contain omega-3 and protein, in portions that measure about the same size as your fist. Diabetics can eat these foods as healthy choices, Vitamins-Nutrition.org reports. You need a diet lower in fats and salts to correct the blood sugar. Lean meats show no visible fats when you look at them. Fish such as trout and haddock contain low levels of fat, too.
Water
Fluids taken in by your body, especially water, will help to lower the blood sugar levels. Water is needed by the body to help kidney function and hydration. It helps rid the body of toxins. The American Diabetes Association recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water each day.
Poultry
Poultry, such as turkey and chicken, is low-fat meat that contains vitamins and minerals to help the person with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association reports. It is lower in fat than steak and can be cooked many different ways. You also will get fewer calories by eating poultry than red meat.
Low-Fat Yogurt and Low-Fat Milk
If you are a diabetic, you should consume low-fat yogurt and low-fat milk, the American Diabetes Association reports. Both of these food products have vitamins and minerals the body needs, especially calcium and vitamin D. You need both of these foods on a regular basis.
Cooking Oils
You should use olive oil to cook most foods because it contains healthier fats than other cooking oils. Vegetable oils and coconut and palm oils should be avoided when cooking a hot meal.
