The body breaks down all carbohydrates into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently raises blood glucose levels. This in turn signals the release the hormone insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels back to normal. In diabetics, insulin doesn't remove excess glucose and, as a result, blood sugar levels build up in the blood. Certain types of diets are beneficial for controlling diabetes.
Low Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is a measurement of how carbs affect your blood sugar levels. Carbs with a glycemic index less than 55 provide a gradual rise in glucose levels, while carbs with a glycemic index of 70 or more lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics should consume low glycemic index foods, such as sweet potatoes, whole-wheat bread, oats, rye bread, brown rice, cherries and blueberries, to control blood sugar levels. Research published in the December 2008 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," showed that subjects following a low glycemic index diet experienced lower hemoglobin A1C levels, an indicator of blood sugar control, compared to those adhering to a high cereal fiber diet.
Low-Carb Diet
Adhering to a low carb diet might help improve blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics, according to a study in the June 2006 issue of the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism." Researchers found that Type 2 diabetics following a low-carb diet, in which carbohydrates mads up 20 percent of total calories, for one year, experienced improvements in hemoglobin A1C levels.
Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce your need for diabetes medication. Scientists compared the effects of a Mediterranean diet, which consists of lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbs, versus a low-fat diet, on the need for antihyperglycemic drugs. They discovered that Type 2 diabetics following a Mediterranean type diet for four years experienced improvements in glycemic control and were less likely to require antihyperglycemic drug therapy compared to the low fat diet group, noted the study published in the September 2009 issue of the journal "Annals of Internal Medicine."
Low-Fat Vegan Diet
Switching to a low-fat vegan diet may control diabetes better than the traditional diabetes diet. In findings published in the August 2006 issue of the journal "Diabetes Care," researchers explored the effects of a low fat vegan diet, which consisted of 15 percent protein, 75 percent carbs and 10 percent fat, versus a diet based on American Diabetes Association guidelines, which consisted of 15 to 20 percent protein, 60 to 70 percent carbs and less than 10 percent fat, on Type 2 diabetics. Participants were assigned to one of the diets for 22 weeks. Scientists found that the low-fat vegan group experienced greater decreases in hemoglobin A1C levels compared to the American Diabetes Association diet.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Effect of a Low-Glycemic Index or a High-Cereal Fiber Diet on Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial; D.A. Jenkins et al.; December 2008
- "Nutrition and Metabolism"; Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Type 2 Diabetes. Stable Improvement of Bodyweight and Glycemic Control During 22 Months Follow-Up; J.V. Nielsen, et al.; June 2006
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Effects of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on the Need for Antihyperglycemic Drug Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Trial; K. Esposito, et al.; September 2009
- "Diabetes Care"; A Low-Fat Vegan Diet Improves Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Randomized Clinical Trial in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes; N.D. Barnard, et al.; August 2006
