Diabetes is chronic condition that negatively affects your blood glucose levels. Your body produces problems absorbing or producing insulin, which results in an accumulation of blood glucose, notes the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms include unusual thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss and frequent urination. Adjusting your diet to include foods such as fish may improve your diabetes symptoms.
Salmon
Fish, such as salmon, contain polyunsaturated fats, which promotes body functions and lower the odds for heart disease development. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, high blood sugar can damage your heart, blood vessels and kidneys if left untreated, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Salmon is available in canned, wild or farm-raised forms. Types of salmon include king salmon, red salmon, dog salmon, humpies and silver salmon. Ideal entrees with salmon include brown rice, wild rice or legumes.
Tuna
Tuna contains high amounts of omega 3 nutrients. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports omega-3 acids can decrease triglycerides and raise good cholesterol, which can benefit your diabetic condition. Tuna is available in canned, wild and farm raised forms. Tuna types include albacore, blackfin, longtail, yellowtail, Pacific bluefin, Northern bluefin and bigeye. Tuna can be consumed alone or in other food sources such as casseroles and salads.
Sardines and Catfish
Sardines and catfish are beneficial for diabetics to consume. According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 1/4 of your plate portions should come from high protein foods such as sardines, catfish and other fish. They are also available in canned, wild and farm raised. In addition to omega-3 nutrients, catfish and sardines also contain vitamin B-12, which promotes cardiovascular health and keep your homocysteine levels balanced. High homocysteine levels can damage your artery walls and increase your risk for heart disease. Sardines and catfish are commonly consumed alone, with crackers or in salads and entrees.
Considerations
The American Heart Association suggests you eat fish at least two times weekly. Some fish may contain harmful contaminants, such as mercury, a metal found in the environment. Nearly all fish contain mercury traces, although some contain higher levels. In a young child or fetus, high mercury levels can damage the central nervous system. For these reasons, the FDA recommends expectant mothers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children limit their consumption of fish to 12 ounces or two servings of low mercury fish weekly. Examples of low mercury fish include canned light tuna, salmon and catfish. Shark, tilefish, king mackerel and swordfish contain high mercury levels.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- American Diabetes Association: Lean Meats
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Information; Dr. Steven D. Ehrlich 2009
- Reuters: Eating fish may prevent kidney decline in diabetics
- American Heart Association: Polyunsaturated Fats
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your heart and blood vessels healthy
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