Dieting while undergoing treatment for diabetes requires making healthy food choices to manage your blood-sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition that affects the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream and stems from a lack of insulin in the body. Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which your immune system attacks your insulin-producing cells, which leads to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing an increase of glucose in the blood. Following a diet that revolves around nutritious foods can help you maintain a healthy weight and control your blood sugar.
Consume Natural Foods
A healthy diet filled with whole foods in their natural form can help with blood-sugar control and improve overall health. Choose low-fat proteins like legumes, lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy, poultry, soybeans, seafood and tofu. Consume complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, brown rice, fruits and high-fiber cereals that take longer to digest and prevent spikes in your blood sugar. Include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, avocado and salmon that aid essential vitamin absorption and lower blood-cholesterol levels.
Graze Throughout the Day
Swap your usual three daily meals for five to six smaller meals. Eating frequently keeps your blood-sugar levels steady during the day and increases your energy levels, according to Dr. Susan Kleiner, author of "Power Eating." Eat a small meal every three hours to stay satiated throughout the day. Have a serving of protein and complex carbohydrates at each meal, like 4 oz. of grilled whitefish, ½ cup of brown rice and 1 cup of spinach.
Cut Back on Alcohol
Decrease your alcohol consumption to avoid the spikes and dips in your blood sugar. Don't overdo it if you decide to drink, and eat something beforehand. The Mayo Clinic website suggests a maximum of one drink per day for women and two drinks for men. Include the carbohydrates in any alcoholic beverage you drink toward your daily carbohydrate count.
Avoid Processed Foods
Prepared and processed foods contain large amounts of refined sugars, chemical preservatives, sodium and fats. Stay away from pre-seasoned foods, frozen dinners, cold cuts, boxed meals and packaged baked goods like cookies. Processed foods may seem like a convenient option, but they have little nutritional value and can increase blood-sugar levels.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes
- "Sports Nutrition Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers; 2006
- BBC News: Eat Less Processed Foods: March 2003
- Natrual Health Magazine: Eat Around the Clock: Maureen Callahan, R.D.
