Top 5 Best & Worst Diet Choices For Diabetes Patients
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Komal Daryani
on Apr 14, 2023
Last Edit Made By Komal Daryani
on Mar 18, 2024
Diet Reflects Your Health Conditions!
Diet choices often define your health, and when you have diabetes, the diet is crucial in controlling the sugar levels in your body.
Well, if you think that choosing a proper diabetes diet refers to cutting off completely from your favorite food, then you are mistaken. If you pay proper attention to the portion of your diet, you will never have to compromise your taste buds.
However, you shall ensure your body gets sufficient nutrients to keep you fit and healthy. Also, it might not be possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes, but it is very well possible to manage diabetes with the right food.
Importance of Following a Diet During Diabetes:
Following a healthy diet when you have diabetes is essential because it helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications associated with the health disorder. It is a health condition where the body cannot properly use or store glucose, which escalates blood sugar levels beyond acceptable limits.
A diabetes-friendly diet is prescribed to regulate carbohydrates, fat, and protein in a person's diet, as well as control the timing and size of meals.
Benefits of Following a Healthy Diet During Type I and Type II Diabetes:
- Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:
A diabetes diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is critical for managing diabetes. Consistently high blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and organs over time. So, a balanced diabetes diet helps to avoid the complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
- Controlling Weight:
Weight above the acceptable limits causes a significant risk for diabetic patients. Following a healthy and medically recommended diabetes diet can help manage weight and prevent obesity. Also, if you have Type I Diabetes, controlling weight avoids the risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces the Cardiac Risks:
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease, and a diabetes diet can help reduce this risk by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure levels. So, whether you are pre-diabetic, have Type I Diabetes, or Type II Diabetes, you should monitor your diet and exercise regularly to keep your heart safe.
- Manage Complications:
The Diabetes Mortality Rate in India has increased to 27.35% in 2019 from 22.30 in 1990, as per the National Health Institute India reports. It is because of secondary health disorders that occur due to improper management and ignorance of diabetes.
Herein, a diabetes diet, along with the prescribed medications, can help manage complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage. It will also help reduce the fatal impact of diabetes.
So Stay Alert, and Keep Safe With Diabetes.
Restrict Below Mentioned Food Items in Your Diet If You Have Diabetes:
The doctors recommend reducing your sugar consumption if your blood sugar levels are high. It will help to normalize your blood sugar levels & keep away from undesired consequences. In the series, you might be asked to reduce the consumption of some foods, or if the blood sugar levels are too high, you might have to restrict the consumption entirely for some time. These food items are listed below.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages:
Sugary drinks can cause an immediate spike in blood sugar levels, so avoid consuming such drinks. These beverages include soda, fruit juices, coffee, tea, shakes, and other drinks having artificial sweeteners.
- Processed and packaged foods:
Processed and packaged foods have become part of lifestyle due to easy access and quick preparation. However, these foods are not suitable for health whether you have diabetes or not. These foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, contributing to diabetes and other health problems. Examples are chips, burgers, frozen sandwiches, energy drinks, canned food items, and more.
- White bread, rice, and pasta:
These refined carbohydrates can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and should be replaced with whole-grain options. Consuming it occasionally in limited amounts just to satisfy your taste buds is fine, but you should not depend on it as your primary daily-life meal. If you have any difficulty planning your meals consult a dietician.
- Fried foods and Processed meats:
Fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, contributing to diabetes and other health problems. So avoid fried foods, like french fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried foods. Processed meats like bacon and sausage often contain high amounts of sodium and unhealthy fats.
Also, it is recommended to limit oil consumption to reduce the risk of increased cholesterol and associated health disorders.
- High-fat dairy products:
Full-fat dairy products like cheese and cream contain high amounts of saturated fat, which can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risks associated with diabetes.
Top 5 Foods That Help Manage Diabetes and Control Blood Sugar Levels:
Diabetes cannot be reversed but can be profoundly managed. Keeping track of your diabetes levels, taking medicines on time, exercising, avoiding alcohol & smoking, and eating a balanced diet are vital ways to manage diabetes.
So, here we are covering the best foods to include in your diet for diabetes management.
- Non-starchy vegetables:
These include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for managing blood sugar levels.
- Whole grains:
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and whole wheat are rich in fiber, which slows down the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream and helps manage blood sugar levels.
- Lean protein:
Protein sources like skinless chicken, fish, tofu, soya, and legumes are low in fat and carbohydrates. These proteins help keep blood sugar levels within acceptable limits.
- Healthy fats:
Foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are rich in healthy fats that can help improve insulin sensitivity. These are highly supportive in managing blood sugar levels.
- Berries:
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants and have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for managing blood sugar levels.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that meets your individual needs and helps you manage your diabetes.
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