Diet is an essential part of managing diabetes symptoms and preventing diabetes-related coma and death. Proper diet can help lower high blood glucose, which is toxic to your liver and can cause dizziness, fatigue and lack of mental clarity. It can also help control high triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, a common diabetes symptom that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, who consume eggs and dairy products but not meat, can easily adopt a diet that helps control diabetes while meeting their dietary preferences.
Whole Grains
Grains are typically staples of the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. However, some vegetarians opt for refined grains in the form of white breads, pastas, flat breads and bagels. Refined grains are simple carbohydrates that can dramatically elevate blood glucose levels, increasing diabetes symptoms and risk of coma and death. Opt instead for whole-grains, which are complex carbohydrates that less dramatically affect blood glucose. Whole-grain breads also contain fiber, which may help control both blood glucose and "bad" cholesterol, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Legumes
Legumes, including beans, are important sources of protein in the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. Unlike meats, legumes contain lean proteins that provide energy without adding artery-clogging saturated fats, according to Dr. Alan Rubin, author of "Diabetes for Dummies. They also provide dietary fiber, as well as zinc and B vitamins for maintaining organ and nerve health. Legumes include lima beans, garbanzos, turtle beans, lentils, kidney beans, peas and white beans.
Soy-Based Foods
Soy-based foods help replace proteins from meats for cellular repair, physical energy and cognitive function. They are free of cholesterol and saturated fats, making them appropriate choices for preventing diabetes-related heart disease, according to Balch. Because they do not contain ingredients derived from animal sources, they are appropriate for a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. Add soy-based foods to your diet such as soy milk, tofu and tempeh, a meat replacement made from fermented, pressed soybeans.
Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables provide a wealth of nutrients for lacto-ovo vegetarians, such as vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin A and vitamin E. They are low in calories, which may help prevent obesity, a primary risk factor for diabetic heart disease and stroke, according to Balch. Raw vegetables also contain dietary fiber for managing blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein levels. Choose raw vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, spinach leaves, cauliflower, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce and bok choy for side dishes and between-meal snacks.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Diabetes for Dummies"; Alan M. Rubin, M.D.; 2008
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