A diet plan to improve the blood circulation of type 2 diabetics must include carbohydrate and calorie control to keep glucose levels and body weight stable. If you're diabetic, maintaining a healthy weight reduces your cardiovascular risk. Being overweight increases your risk for peripheral arterial disease, in which fatty deposits clog your arteries and block circulation. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet that is low in solid fats, added sodium and sugar, and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Fish and Shellfish
Make seafood your first choice for animal-based protein, to save on saturated fat and calories over meats. A diet low in iron and vitamins B-9 and B-12 can slow your blood cell production and circulation, so choose clams, oysters and sardines often to build your mineral and vitamin stores. Low-fat fish to promote weight loss includes flounder, tuna, haddock and orange roughy.
Legumes
Legumes such as black beans, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, soybeans and split peas offer major amounts of fiber, protein and minerals. The American Diabetes Association considers these ideal nutritious foods for diabetics as long as you cook them with little salt, buy reduced-sodium canned items or rinse the salt from canned beans. Beans also contain large amounts of vitamin B-9, or folate, which your body needs to form new circulating blood cells.
Cooked Leafy Greens
These nonstarchy vegetables automatically control carbohydrates, calories, sodium and solid fats for diabetic diets while promoting red blood cell production. Cooking concentrates the beneficial nutrients in greens such as spinach, which offers large amounts of iron, folate and fiber, for blood and heart health, with just 20 calories per half cup.
Low-Sugar Cereal
Type 2 diabetics need nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources to help control their blood glucose. Whole-grain breakfast cereals such as wheat bran flakes fit this criterion, as well as provide iron and B vitamin enrichment to support a strong blood count for better circulation. The American Diabetes Association advises choosing a brand of cereal that has 3 g of fiber or more and 5 g of sugar or less per suggested serving.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
To keep your calorie and saturated fat intakes in check while pursuing balanced nutrition, choose low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, which are all sources of protein and B vitamins, in addition to their essential calcium content. For the best effect on your weight and cardiovascular system, the American Heart Association recommends 1 percent or fat-free varieties.
References
- American Diabetes Association; "A Sneaky Complication, Peripheral Arterial Disease"; Erika Gebel; May 2009
- American Heart Association; "Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations"; May 2010
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; "Anemia"; August 2010
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Superfoods
- American Diabetes Association: Lean Meats
- American Diabetes Association: Whole Grain Foods
