Nearly 24 million people in the Unites States suffer from from diabetes, Ohio State University reports. Diabetes can lead to serious side effects such as vision loss and premature death. In fact, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The American Diabetes Association recommends lifestyle change as the primary treatment for diabetes. This includes exercising, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress. As part of your diabetic diet, try adding these food remedies for diabetics to help manage your condition.
Mackerel
Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that can combat diabetes, the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, reports. Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation levels -- a bodily process that contributes to insulin resistance. Martín de Santa Olalla of Spanish National Research Council reviewed the effects of omega-3 fats on insulin sensitivity. A paper published in the March 2009 issue of "Nutrición Hospitalaria" said that omega-3s boost insulin production and help diabetics manage their blood glucose levels. In addition, eating omega-3 rich foods such as mackerel can boost sagging HDL or "good" cholesterol levels. Low HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death for people with diabetes.
Almonds
The American Diabetes Association recommends a low fat diet for all diabetics to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, fat-rich almonds may be an exception to this rule, Health Central reports. Almonds are rich in nutrients important for diabetes management, including dietary fiber. Health Central reports that almonds blunt the absorption of carbohydrates -- reducing the risk of blood sugar "spikes" that lead to diabetic complications. Also, almonds curb appetite and assist in weight control. You can use almonds as a portable snack, as part of healthy salads, or in low-carb desserts.
Black Beans
Like many health care professionals, Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, of the American Cancer Institute recommends beans as part of a healthy diabetic diet. Black beans are rich in soluble fiber, a substance that slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Also, a diet that includes soluble fiber-rich foods such as black beans can reduce the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease in diabetics. Because black beans contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, the carbs in beans should be factored into your diabetic meal plan. Black beans are a fibrous addition to salad, soup and pasta dishes.
