Diet for Diabetes

Diet plays a major role in the prevention or management of diabetes.  If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will have to make immediate changes to your diet to prevent it from getting worse.  Diet for diabetes has to start to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy,  Emphasis should be placed on knowing on to balance intake of carbohydrates with omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats wherever possible.

Following are some helpful food suggestions to help you start on your new diabetes diet:

• A glass of wine
  
  A new Israeli study has shown that a glass of wine with dinner can help to lower fasting blood sugar in some diabetics.  However, wine can also bring along 100 calories so trade offs with another carbohydrate-rich food at dinner may need to be taken. 100 calories are equal to roughly 25 grams of carbohydrate.  Take note that higher doses of alcohol may be dangerous.
  
• Buckwheat
  
  Recent research studies has shown that buckwheat extracts, that are given to rats, can lower meal-related blood sugar levels by as much as 12-19%.
  
• Cinnamon
  
  One study comprising 60 people has shown that < 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon daily can help reduce blood sugar for people who suffers from type 2 diabetes.
  
• Fiber
  
  Chronic intake of low amounts of fiber has been linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes as well as obesity, heart disease and cancer.
  
• Ground flaxseed
  
  Some research has suggested that flaxseed is beneficial for the diabetics as it contain high soluble fiber that can help to increase insulin levels and reduce blood sugar levels.
  
• Moderate protein
  
  Diabetics are at higher risk of developing kidney disease and should avoid consumption of high protein which can cause the kidneys to work harder hence damaging them over time.
  
• Nopal
  
  Nopal is a member of the cactus family and is also known as prickly pear. Cooked nopal can help to lower blood glucose.  Its high content of soluble fiber can also help to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates.  The suggested amount to be taken with meals is a minimum of 3.5 ozs of broiled nopal stems.
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  
  Omega-3 fatty acids can help to increase HDL and reduce triglycerides which is an important part in the management of diabetes as diabetics are at a higher risk of getting heart disease.
  
• Soy
  
  Soy can help to make cells to become more responsive to insulin and to help control blood sugar levels..

Learning what to take in your diet is still insufficient.  You will also need to learn how to cook and prepare them with the right ingredients.  You will be in better control of your diet if you cook your own meals.  There are many diabetic recipes that can help guide you along the way.