Diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts how your body uses blood sugar. A diabetic's blood sugar is typically high, which can lead to health problems. One way to manage diabetes is through dietary modifications, which help control blood sugar and weight management, both of which can provide health benefits for a diabetic. Prior to making changes in your diet, consult your health care provider or a dietitian who has experience working with diabetics.
Purpose
Diabetics typically need to follow certain dietary guidelines, and a dietitian can help you create an appropriate diet. Control of blood sugar levels and weight management are the two main factors when deciding what foods to eat. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you consume too much fat or too many calories, blood glucose levels rise. When blood sugar gets too high, it can cause health complications like kidney and nerve damage. Weight control is especially important if you have type 2 diabetes, because a lower body weight makes it easier to control blood sugar.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes need to monitor carbohydrate intake to control their glucose levels. The three types of carbohydrates are starches, sugars and fiber. Starches include foods like dried beans, lentils, peas, corn, and grains like oats and barley. Milk and fruits contain natural sugars, and processed foods and baked goods contain added sugars like those in syrups and cookies, says the American Diabetes Association. Fiber is found in foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables and beans.
Sugars and Sweets
Many sweets are also high in carbohydrates. If you are diabetic and want to eat sweets, you need to substitute these foods for some other carbohydrates in your diet, says the American Diabetes Association. Consume small portions to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels. Read the ingredient labels sweets or sugary foods, and look at the total carbohydrates instead of just sugar, as carbohydrates include sugar and starch.
Fats
Fat in your diet is not necessarily bad, but certain kinds of fats are healthier than others. Poly- and monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fats are healthy and can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. The unhealthy fats include saturated and trans fats. These fats can raise blood cholesterol levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, foods that contain healthy fats are vegetable oils like olive and canola oils, trans-fat free margarine, avocados, and nuts.
Superfoods
The American Diabetes Association lists several "diabetes superfoods." These foods have a low glycemic index, which means they will not drastically raise blood glucose levels. They are filled with nutrients like vitamins, calcium and potassium. Healthy foods that should be included in a diabetic diet include sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, nuts and whole grains, fish with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, and fat-free dairy products.
