Many diabetics adopt low-carbohydrate diets to help them manage their conditions. Foods high in carbohydrates can cause a spike in blood sugar soon after eating them, so it makes sense that a low-carb, low-sugar diet can help regulate blood sugar levels. Work with your doctor to form a successful eating plan for your diabetes that is balanced and includes a variety of low-carb and low-sugar foods.
Vegetables
Eat at least several servings of fresh or cooked vegetables daily. Vegetables are one of the best sources of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and they are naturally low in both sugar and carbohydrates. They're also very versatile foods that can be prepared at any meal and served on their own, as a main dish or baked into a casserole or stew.
One-half cup of chopped broccoli has 6 g of carbs and 1 g of sugar. A cup of raw spinach has less than 1 g carbohydrates and no sugar, while a half-cup of sweet red bell pepper has 4 g of carbs and 3 g sugar.
Fish
Include fish in your diet as an alternative to other meats. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week. Fish is a good alternative to red meat because it is lower in fat and offers a better nutritional profile.
A salmon fillet has no carbohydrates or sugar, but is very high in protein and offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Wheat Bran
Eat wheat bran to get some of the benefits of whole-grain foods without as many total carbs. A half-cup serving of wheat bran has 18 g carbohydrates and no sugar.
According to Sue McLaughlin, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association, counting carbohydrates could be the best tool diabetics can use to manage their blood sugar levels.
Even though wheat bran and other whole-grain foods are relatively high in carbs, you can regulate the carbs you do choose to eat for optimal nutrition.
Nuts
Use nut butters and nuts as snacks throughout the week. Nuts are naturally high in protein and fiber, and they lend themselves well to many different styles of cooking. Whole nuts can also be used as garnishes on salads or cereals. One ounce of dry roasted almonds contains 5 g of carbohydrates and 1 g sugar.
Dairy
Include low-fat dairy products as a regular part of your diet. They are slightly higher in carbs and sugar than some other food items, but they're also valuable sources of protein and calcium, and they make up a healthy part of an overall balanced diet. One cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains 6 g of carbohydrates and 6 g sugar.
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