Foods to Eat for Diabetics - Diabetic Foods

In managing your diabetes, you should also manage the foods that you eat. You should have a diet plan that includes the foods to eat for diabetics because they will help you control your blood sugar levels. Eating the wrong foods will put your health to a big danger, which can lead to bigger health problems in the long run; and much worse, to death.

Indeed, there are certain stuffs that you should avoid and there are stuffs that you can take in moderation. You should know how much of each food you can eat per serving. It is best to consult your doctor to know the blood sugar level that you should target before you eat your meals. The appropriate portions of the foods that you will eat will be based on that.

If you are under medication, you should be more watchful about your meals. You will also need to follow a stricter schedule. To be sure that you have the right guide, you can consult your physician. He might also refer a dietician to you who can help you create a diabetic meal plan. Aside from meal plans, you will also be advised on the activities that will be helpful to your condition. Moreover, you will be taught on how to monitor your own blood sugar level.

Foods to eat for diabetics include the following:

Low Glycemic Index - The glycemic index is the measurement that shows how certain foods raise our blood sugar levels. Low GI foods are slow in releasing sugar into your body; therefore, it will not be absorbed right away to your bloodstream and your blood sugar level will not rapidly increase. Foods included in this category are unsweetened muffins, green leafy vegetables, soymilk, beans and nuts.

Complex High Fiber Carbohydrates - Fiber slows down digestion. For this reason, they won't require the body to produce insulin rapidly. That will save the pancreas from being worn out and eventually suffer from low insulin production. When that happens, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is bigger. Some examples of complex high fiber carb foods are oats, wholegrain products, legumes, fruits, lentils, vegetables, peas, dried beans and so on.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - This nutrient in foods helps in repairing the damages caused by diabetes in your nerves. It will also enhance your glucose uptake. Foods such as spinach, broccoli, steak and liver are among those that are rich in it.

Omega 3 - Foods rich in omega 3 such as tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel protect the arteries from hardening. They also promote healthy heart; hence, they are highly recommended for diabetics.

Omega 6 Fatty Acid - It protects you from diabetes neuropathy, a kind of nerve disorder caused by diabetes. Some of the stuffs enriched in omega 6 fatty acid are borage oil, blackcurrant oil and primrose oil.