Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, you are unable to produce insulin, a hormone that transports sugar from your blood to the cells throughout your body. In type 2 diabetes, your cells are resistant to insulin. Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that you need to sustain your health. Consult your nutritionist about your diet and the best types of vegetables to consume.
Carrots
Carrots are a low glycemic vegetable that contains high concentrations of vitamin A and carotenoids. The glycemic index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Low glycemic foods contain sugars that your body slowly digests and absorbs into your blood, preventing spikes in blood sugar. Diabetics have a high risk of health complications, including loss of vision. Vitamin A and pre-vitamin A compounds, such as beta carotene, play a vital role in vision and prevention of blindness. Vitamin A also stimulates your immune system to help you fight infections and is involved with the development of red blood cells which transport oxygen from your lungs to the cells in your body.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a green vegetable that is low in fat, high in vitamins A and C and a quality source of fiber. Soluble fiber can help you control your blood sugar and reduce your cholesterol and insoluble fiber can promote regular bowel movements. Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar from foods and lowers the amount of cholesterol you absorb. People with diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular disease and need to maintain normal blood levels of cholesterol to lower the risk. You can eat asparagus at any meal. It is best to steam asparagus to minimize any loss of nutrients that can occur with boiling.
Squash
Squash is a family of vegetables that contain vitamins A, C and B, as well as calcium and iron; squash is available year round. The different types of squash include zucchini, pumpkin and acorn, each with a different color and concentration of antioxidants called phytonutrients. Harvard School of Public Health encourages you to eat generous amounts of different colors of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce your risk of vision loss and cardiovascular disease. You can steam, grill or bake squash and add other ingredients, such as tomato sauce or cinnamon to accent the flavor.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high amounts of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that can stimulate your immune system and reduce your risk of cardiovascular complications. Research by scientists at the University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran and published in the "Journal of Endocrinological Investigation" in 2007 found that lycopene stimulated immune response and may be effective in preventing long-term diabetic complications, including cardiovascular disease. Lycopene from tomatoes may reduce your risk of cancer and macular degeneration, a condition that impairs your vision.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Diabetes; 2010
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine; Glycemic Index; 2010
- American Diabetes Association; Complications; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin A; 2010
- American Diabetes Association; Eat Your Vegetables; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; 2009
