Diabetes afflicts more than 24 million American adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. In addition, those with pre-diabetes --a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes --has risen to 40 percent of all adults over the age of 40. To treat diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends a healthy diabetic diet along with a physically active lifestyle. Joanne Larsen of Dietitian warns that diabetics should avoid many packaged foods that line your local supermarket shelf. Because they tend to be riddled with salt, saturated fat, and added sugar packaged foods can make your diabetes more difficult to manage. However, there are many packaged foods that are safe and healthy for diabetics.
Flaxseeds
Packaged flaxseeds can help keep blood sugars in check, the National Institutes of Health reports. A healthy diabetic diet that includes flaxseeds can help reduce an important indicator of diabetes control known as hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin A1c determines how well your diabetes has been managed over the course of three months and tends to be more accurate than monitoring with a glucometer alone. Flaxseeds are rich in a particular type of omega-3 fat known as alpha-linolenic acid, which may be responsible for the A1c reduction. In addition, flaxseeds contain generous amounts of soluble fiber which can combat elevated cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease -- the number one cause of death of diabetics.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a healthy packaged food for diabetics, the American Diabetes Association claims. As long as the frozen vegetables don't contain any added sodium or fat, they are just as healthy as the fresh variety. Vegetables are a crucial part of a diabetic diet because they are rich in slow digesting carbohydrates which can aid in the management of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association adds. Also, frozen veggies are rich in dietary fiber. Case Western Reserve University's Taylor Wolfram found that a fiber rich diet helped diabetics keep blood sugar levels under wraps. In a study published in the August 2010 edition of "Endocrine Practice" Wolfram combined the results of 14 studies investigating the effects of a fiber-rich diet on diabetes. It was concluded that a fibrous diet improved insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose levels in diabetics.
Walnuts
Some diabetics steer clear of packaged nuts like walnuts because they're high in calories and total fat. However, the fat found in walnuts doesn't contribute to heart disease or weight gain, Science Alert reports. Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated fats which may boost insulin levels, Science Alert adds. To get these same benefits for yourself, opt for 30 g of walnuts per day without added sugar, salt, or oil.
