As of 2007 nearly a quarter of all adults over the age of 60 had Type 2 diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a diabetic diet, physical activity and weight control are important facets of diabetes management, the Mayo Clinic reports. However, having diabetes doesn't mean that you have to forgo your favorite gourmet meals. Whether gourmet dining is part of your life or an occasional high-class treat, there are a number of gourmet foods that fit perfectly into a well-designed diabetic meal plan.
Lobster
Lobster and other shellfish are a healthy gourmet alternative to protein sources high in saturated fats, like sirloin steak. A diet rich in saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease -- a condition that kills more diabetics than any other, the National Institutes of Health reports. Also, lobster is rich in omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats can boost sagging "good" HDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. When eating lobster limit the amount of added butter and salt that you use as a dip or garnish. Instead, dip your lobster meat into extra virgin olive oil without added salt.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a crunchy veggie that's an attractive side to any gourmet meal. The dietary fiber in asparagus can improve blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetics, the American Diabetes Association reports. The ADA adds that many diabetics don't eat enough non-starchy vegetables like asparagus. Along with keeping tabs on blood sugar, a diet rich in vegetables can curb appetite and promote weight control, the ADA adds. When cooking asparagus choose steaming or baking over frying. If you choose to cook asparagus with oil, opt for extra virgin olive oil, which contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
Red Wine
Red wine pairs nicely with diabetic-friendly gourmet meals. Even better, the antioxidants in red wine may aid in Type 2 diabetes blood glucose control. Science Daily reports that antioxidant-rich beverages like red wine delay the absorption of carbohydrates from a meal -- potentially reducing the risk of elevated blood sugars. The special antioxidant found in red but not white whine, polyphenolics, may help prevent blood sugar spikes. However, the American Diabetes Association warns to limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks for men.
Cashews
While high in dietary fat, cashews do not promote weight gain like many other high fat foods, Organic Cashew Nuts reports. Also, when eaten in moderation, the "good" fats found in cashews may reduce the the levels of triglycerides. Triglycerides tend to be elevated in diabetics, which can increase heart disease risk. When choosing cashews, opt for those without added sugar, oil, or salt.
