The Diabetes Diet: 10 Healthy Foods That Will Be Your New BFF

 

Did you know that eating the right foods can help you manage your diabetes and keep blood sugar levels in check? Eating the right foods will be especially important if you’re trying to manage diabetes. The condition is triggered by excess blood sugar, which means it’s super important to eat balanced meals that keep your blood sugar stable. When you have diabetes, your body can’t properly break down the carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains because of an insulin deficiency. That means these foods are not well digested by people with type 2 diabetes. We know that a healthy diet is one of the best ways to manage diabetes and reduce its risk factors. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy food options available for anyone who has been diagnosed with this disease or struggles with it on a day-to-day basis. Foods like oatmeal, salmon, tomatoes, almonds and green tea all have some sort of positive influence on people who struggle with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

 

Why is it so important to eat healthy foods when you have diabetes?

When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas can’t make enough insulin due to an autoimmune reaction. With type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly. Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to use glucose for energy. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high because your body can’t properly break down and process carbohydrates from whole foods like fruit, vegetables and grains. That means these foods are not well digested. Instead, they've broken down and turned into glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. When glucose levels are too high, it can have adverse effects on both your short and long-term health.

 

The #1 most important food for managing diabetes: Oatmeal!

Oatmeal is one of the best foods for anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. Oatmeal is a whole grain, which has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes in a variety of studies. One study found that eating oats reduced the risk of diabetes by 35 % when compared to a control group eating white bread. Another study found that people who ate three servings of whole grains per day reduced their risk of diabetes by almost 30 % compared to those who only ate one serving per week. Oatmeal is rich in soluble fibre and the antioxidant beta-glucan, both of which have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is also a source of protein, which has been shown to slow the digestion of carbohydrates and reduce insulin response. This means that oatmeal is great for people with diabetes, since it helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and keeps blood sugar levels more stable.

 

Salmon and other fatty fish

Salmon and other fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Omega-3 fats are also important for heart health and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you will want to skip the salmon and go for a different type of fish. Omega-3 fats are generally considered to be carbohydrates, and eating too many can increase your blood sugar levels. Although eating fatty fish can improve blood sugar levels, it may not have the same effect on everyone. If you have diabetes and have tried eating salmon but it hasn’t helped your blood sugar levels, you may need to speak with a doctor about other ways to manage your diabetes.

 

Tomatoes and leafy greens

Tomatoes and leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help lower blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that people with diabetes who eat plenty of tomatoes and leafy greens have lower blood sugar levels than those who don’t. This doesn’t necessarily mean eating tomatoes and greens will cure your diabetes. It just means that they can help improve your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications that come with having diabetes. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you will want to make sure you get plenty of vegetables in your diet because they are low in carbs. Vegetables are good sources of fibre and vitamins, which can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk for heart disease.

 

Nuts, beans and legumes

Nuts, beans and legumes are loaded with fibre, vitamins and minerals and have been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Studies have found that people who eat plenty of nuts have lower blood sugar levels than those who don’t. Nuts are also a good source of protein, which can help slow the digestion of carbs and keep blood sugar levels more stable. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you will want to make sure you get plenty of fibre in your diet so that you don’t suffer from constipation and other digestive issues. Fibre is important for keeping your digestive tract healthy, and you can find fibre in a variety of foods including nuts, beans and legumes.

 

Dark chocolate is a winner!

Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been shown to prevent blood vessel damage and improve blood flow. Reduced blood vessel damage and improved blood flow can help improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease or kidney disease. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you will want to skip the dark chocolate and go for a different sweet treat. Dark chocolate is generally high in sugar, which can increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it’s important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of healthy foods along with a few indulgences. You don’t have to eliminate all sweets from your diet to manage your diabetes. Dark chocolate is a great treat, and it can also have positive effects on your health.

 

Beans and whole grains are also winners.

If you have diabetes, eating plenty of whole grains, beans and legumes can help improve your blood sugar levels. Studies have found that people who eat a high-carbohydrate diet and include plenty of whole grains in their diet have lower blood sugar levels compared to those who don’t eat beans or whole grains. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you will want to make sure you get plenty of fibre in your diet so that you don’t suffer from constipation and other digestive issues. Whole grains are good sources of fibre, which can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. If you have diabetes and eat a low-carb diet, be sure to get plenty of fibre in your diet to keep your digestive tract healthy.

 

Conclusion

There are many foods out there that can help you manage your diabetes and keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Oatmeal is a great source of fibre and can help slow the digestion of carbohydrates and keep blood sugar levels stable. Salmon and other fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids and they have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Nuts, beans and legumes are loaded with fibre and vitamins, and they have been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Dark chocolate is also a winner when it comes to managing diabetes, and it’s packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that can help improve blood flow. Many foods can help you manage your diabetes, and you can easily add them to your diet.