Diabetes is a condition that is marked by chronically elevated blood glucose levels. People with diabetes have problems with insulin, which is a pancreatic hormone that causes cells in the muscle, liver and fat tissue to pull glucose out of the blood. Diabetics either do not produce enough insulin or they are resistant to its effects. Although there are no "diets" that can increase insulin production for patients who have abnormally low levels of insulin, diabetics can improve their insulin sensitivity through some dietary changes. Although diabetes can be controlled for some patients with a careful diet, dietary changes cannot "cure" diabetes and should not replace a physician's supervision for caring for diabetes.
Step 1
Lower your calorie intake. Resistance to insulin, which is a common cause of diabetes, is heavily associated with being overweight. If you are overweight, the excess fat cells can make your body resistant to insulin, which can keep your blood glucose levels high. Fortunately, by reducing your calorie intake you can lose weight. By losing even just a few extra pounds, you can lower your blood glucose levels significantly, according to the Obesity Society. If you have fairly mild insulin resistance, losing excess weight can help you become more sensitive to insulin, which can allow you lower your dose or completely eliminate your diabetes medications.
Step 2
Eat lower glycemic index foods. The glycemic index of a food, the Mayo Clinic says, is a measurement of how much it increases blood glucose levels. One of the main determinants of the glycemic index of a food is the amount and type of carbohydrates it contains. Foods with high quantities of "simple" carbohydrates, such as sugary foods, white bread and white rice can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Sudden spikes in blood glucose levels can aggravate diabetes, so diabetics should focus on consuming foods that have a more moderate effect on blood glucose.
Step 3
Eat foods that can help lower your blood sugar. Avocados contain soluble fiber, which helps keep blood glucose levels low, as well as healthy fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, according to FatFreeKitchen.com. Cinnamon can also be used to help lower blood glucose levels, though there is not enough clinical evidence to support its use as a diabetes treatment.
