Diabetes is increasingly becoming a health concern not only in the United States but around the world. Luckily, ways of dealing with this disease are evolving. Research shows that for some, a healthy diet, balanced with exercise and avoiding harmful things like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can sometimes be enough to manage the disease.
Hallmarks of the Diet
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2, which is non-insulin-dependent. The most common is Type 2, characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. Thus, a diet aiming to manage Type 2 diabetes will naturally be high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but low in refined sugars. Because this type of diabetes is often associated with obesity, it is equally important to manage one's weight by maintaining a diet heavy in fresh foods with a minimal intake of processed foods, which are often higher in sodium and fats.
Managing the Disease
A central aspect of managing this disease through diet is making sure that you eat around the same time each day. This allows the body to adjust to food-intake schedule, which helps to avoid extreme dips in blood sugar levels. Not overeating is just as important to avoiding unnecessarily high blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy weight. Keeping your calorie count in check means you don't overload your diet -- even with the healthy carbohydrates, fiber and proteins your body needs.
Focus Foods
Focus on foods essential in managing your type 2 diabetes. Luckily, there are many tasty recipes to accommodate such food items. Strictly limit the refined carbohydrates in your diet. Specific foods that you should incorporate into your daily diet include fruits, vegetables and beans. Beans -- lentils, pinto beans, soybeans -- are also a great source of fiber and thus help to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
Fruits and Vegetables
When choosing fruits, it is important to stick to fresh fruits and avoid fruit juices, which usually have sugars added unless the label specifies otherwise. As with most diets, green vegetables are generally the best choice, for example, broccoli, spinach and asparagus. Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and many kinds of pepper are great choices as well. Unlike fruit juices, vegetable juices are a healthy source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
