Diabetes is the sixth most common cause of death in the Unites States, according to Ohio State University. If not properly managed, the elevated blood sugars of diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage and blindness. The best way to manage diabetes is to stick to the physical activity, medication and diet plan given to you by your physician. In addition, discus diabetic healing diets with your doctor and dietitian.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is an eating plan rich in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. This diet tends to limit the amount of foods like sugar, refined grains and red meat in the diet. A Mediterranean diet can help reduce the need for diabetics to take medications, CNN reports. Additionally, following a Mediterranean diet can significantly boost the levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and drop "bad" LDL cholesterol, states Science Daily. HDL levels that are within a healthy range can help the body remove plaque buildup from the arteries of the heart, allowing it to recover and heal from damage.
ADA Diet
The American Diabetes Association Diet emphasizes a low-fat diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants, which are important for reducing cellular damage within the body. For example, fresh broccoli contains a compound that heals damage to the heart's blood vessels caused by blood sugar spikes, the BBC reports. The compound, known as sulforaphane, turns on enzymes important for tissue repair, the BBC adds. Other antioxidant-rich foods that the ADA recommends include sweet potatoes, kale and berries.
Paleo Diet
A paleo diet eliminates all grains, most dairy products and packaged and processed foods. Instead, followers of the paleo diet eat fresh vegetables, fruits and meat. According to Staffan Lindberg of Lund University, the paleo diet has the potential to help reverse insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. In a paper published in the of the September 2003 issue of "Journal of Nutrition and Environmental Medicine" followers of a paleo diet tend to have lower fasting blood glucose, and lower rates of heart disease compared to those following a typical Western diet.
References
- Ohio State University: Statistics About Diabetes
- CNN.com: Mediterranean Diet Can Stave Off Need for Diabetes Drugs
- Science Daily: Mediterranean Diet Helps Control Cholesterol: Adding Monounsaturated Fats to a Low-Cholesterol Diet Can Further Improve Levels
- ADA: Diabetes Superfoods
- BBC: Broccoli May Undo Diabetes Damage
- Journal of Nutrition and Environmental Medicine: Biological and Clinical Potential of a Palaeolithic Diet
