Diet in Diabetes: Everything You Need to Know

Word Diabetes and diabetic accessories on wooden background

Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This results in elevated levels of blood sugar, known as glucose levels. Diabetes develops after the body can’t produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar under control. There are many ways that diet affects your risk of developing or being diagnosed with diabetes. Eating healthily might lower your chances of developing the condition and taking steps to manage it better. Read on to learn more about what you need to know about your diet in diabetics.

Eat more Healthy carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential to health and well-being, but many people consume too much of them in a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates. Many of these foods are also easy to turn into sugar. To keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy level, you need to consume healthy carbohydrates. These can be found in whole, unrefined foods like whole-wheat breads, brown rice, and cornmeal. You should aim to eat these foods at every meal, along with other healthy protein sources. These foods will give you a boost of energy to help you stay alert, focused, and mobile during the day. Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugar-free soft drinks are a major source of sugar for people with type 1 diabetes. To avoid these foods, look for products that are low in sugar and sodium.

Eat more Fiber-rich foods

Fiber is a type of dietary nutrients that is found in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole-wheat breads. Fiber triggers insulin secretion in the body, which helps your body absorb essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. It does this by binding with proteins in the stomach and small intestine, making them less accessible for enzymes that break down nutrients. This is called “nutrient-448 retention” and is key to good health. Fiber is also said to increase “good” cholesterol, which can prevent heart disease. You can get the full fiber-rich list here. fiber-rich foods are important to maintain a healthy digestive system as well. They can also prevent constipation and help you feel less bloated. Fiber is found in the vegetables and whole grains that you should also put in your daily menu.

Eat more Good fats

Good fats found in oilseeds and avocados are very healthy for you and your heart. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, and mackerel are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Tropical juices, such as guavas, papaya, and passion fruit, are also high in healthy fats. This can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, an unhealthy heartbeat, and an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Good fats can also help you feel full longer, helps with inflammation and can help with skin conditions like acne. You should aim to eat these foods at every meal.

Avoid Saturated fats

Saturated fats are those found in foods like meat, dairy, butter, and coconut. These fats cannot be obtained by eating plant-based foods, only animal-based foods like dairy, eggs, and meat. These fats are also found in tropical oils like coconut and butter. Excessive intake of saturated fats leads to high levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. This is the type that is responsible for raising your risk of developing heart disease. To reduce your risk of developing heart disease, you should aim to get your saturated fat from foods like butter, lard, and ghee.