High blood glucose and insulin can damage blood vessels and nerve endings, causing blindness, gangrene, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. These diabetic complications can be delayed or prevented if the blood glucose is well controlled. So the goal of a diabetic diet is to maintain normal blood glucose without excess demand on insulin production.
Eat Low Glycemic Foods, Not High Glycemic Foods
The glycemic index measures the capability of a carbohydrate-containing food to raise blood glucose. Foods with a higher glycemic index raise glucose higher and cause more insulin release, resulting in fluctuations in blood glucose. Diabetics should avoid high glycemic index foods, such as refined grains, and drinks and foods with added sugar. Instead, choose fresh produce and whole grains that have lower glycemic indexes.
Storage, processing and cooking can influence the glycemic index of a food. In general, the shorter the storage time and the less processing and cooking of a food, the lower the glycemic index tends to be. You should choose foods that are not overly ripe, cooked or excessively processed. For example, whole fresh fruit is a better choice than fruit juice.
Eat Good Fats, Not Bad Fats
Diabetics have a two to four times greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dietary saturated fats and trans fats raise the more atherogenic LDL cholesterol in the blood, adding to the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats decrease the risk by lowering the bad LDL cholesterol and increasing the protective HDL cholesterol. Consume more of these healthy fats from plant oils, fish or fish oils and nuts. But avoid fried foods, processed foods and heavy desserts, which are often high in saturated fats and trans fats.
Eat Fresh Foods, Not Processed Foods
Aside from trans fat, processed foods are often loaded with sodium. High sodium consumption can adversely affect blood pressure and kidney functions. Diabetic patients, especially those with chronic kidney diseases, should avoid processed foods, such as packaged snacks, canned soups and processed meats. Choose fresh whole foods whenever possible.
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods, Not Refined Foods
Fiber slows down the absorption of glucose into the blood stream. Additionally, high-fiber foods curb the appetite and help with portion control and weight loss. Foods with higher fiber content include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Choose these over refined grains, such as white bread and white rice.
Eat Lean Meats, Not Fatty Meats
Hotdogs, sausages, bacon, luncheon meats and organ meats are packed with saturated fats, which raise blood cholesterol. These meats are also high in sodium and phosphorus, both of which require the kidney for excretion. Diabetes is the leading cause for chronic kidney diseases, with nearly 70 percent of all kidney failures due to diabetes. Eliminating these foods from diet lessens the burden on the kidney and protects cardiovascular health. For high-quality protein source, choose fish, poultry without skin and reduced-fat dairy instead.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes Diet
- FamilyDoctor.org: Diabetes and Nutrition
- American Diabetes Association: Glycemic Index and Diabetes
- American Association of Kidney Patients: How Can I Follow My Diabetic and Renal Diet Restrictions?
- UCTV: Chronic Disease Management --- Challenges of Meeting Standard of Care Goals for Chronic Diseases --- Diabetes
