Diabetes is a chronic condition in which your body produces deficient amount of the hormone insulin, or responds to insulin inappropriately. As a result, you may require medical treatments, such as insulin injections and regular blood sugar, or glucose, monitoring. Controlling your blood sugar through a healthy diet is also important. Your diet should also supply sufficient amounts of calories and nutrients and support weight management. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your main source of energy. Since enriched carbohydrates can have a more dramatic impact on your blood sugar levels, choose complex varieties, such as whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and rice, more often. As fiber-rich foods, whole grains can also help keep you fuller longer between meals, improve digestive function and promote healthy cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com describes fruits, vegetables, legumes, such as lentils and beans, and low-fat dairy products as the "healthiest" carbohydrate sources for people with diabetes. Since non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, mushrooms, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots have fewer carbohydrates and calories per serving than starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, you can enjoy larger portions at your meals. Incorporate a variety of carbohydrate sources into balanced, nutritious meals for best results.
Meat and Seafood
Meat, including beef, lamb, pork, organ meats, processed meats and poultry, and seafood provide valuable amounts of protein. As pure, or complete, protein sources, meat and seafood provide all essential amino acids -- the building blocks of lean tissue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding fatty meats, such as porterhouse steak, organ meats, bacon and sausage. Opt instead for extra-lean red meat and skinless chicken and turkey breasts. Egg whites, which contain less fat and cholesterol than egg yolks, are also considered part of the "meat" group. Consume fatty fish, such as albacore tuna, salmon, lake trout, halibut, mackerel, herring and sardines, regularly for improved cardiovascular health. This is an important attribute, since diabetes increases your risk for heart disease.
Healthy Fats
While consuming excessive amounts of fat, particularly saturated fat and trans fats, can hinder your wellness, modest amounts of healthy fats are important. Healthy fats enhance nutrient absorption, brain function and skin health. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, MayoClinic.com recommends avocados, nuts, olives, olive oil, canola oil and peanut oils for improved cholesterol levels. Since fat sources are dense in calories, stick to appropriate portion sizes. For best results, replace unhealthy fat sources, such as butter, margarine, shortening, lard and high-fat cheeses with plant-based alternatives most often.
