Having a proper diet is the first requirement of diabetics. Old and obese people are generally seen to suffer from this disease. Consuming a healthy diet means the level of fat in the body. Doctors and dietitians can best decide on meal plans for diabetics. In general, dietitians recommend a sugar-free diet for diabetics that is also low in fat and carbohydrates. Meal planning is the biggest problem in case of diabetics. It is generally seen that mothers and wives dictate to their children and husbands in terms of their meals. These women are trying to create a diabetes plan for their diabetic loved ones.
Diet plays a key role in diet management. All treatment therapy depends on the diet regimen. Following a healthy eating plan and controlling temptation allows diabetics to stay away from diabetes. Patients suffering from high blood sugar levels should be careful when selecting food.
- It is important for diabetics to select foods that are high in fiber. The American Diabetes Association strongly recommends that diabetics eat plenty of high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains. These fiber-rich foods help a lot in lowering the blood glucose level. Leafy greens also play a key role in lowering blood sugar.
- Monounsaturated fats are also good for diabetics. These mainly include peanut oil, olive oil, omega 3 and canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats are also just as good. These mainly include flaxseed oil, fish oil, and walnuts. Diabetics should limit saturated fats like butter and red meat. Patients with high blood sugar should choose low-fat dairy products or fat-free dairy products. Whole milk should be avoided. Diabetics should avoid trans fats such as trans fat found in fried foods and other baked goods.
- High protein diet also includes about 12 to 20% calories which is believed to be good for diabetics. Soy, fish and poultry are eaten in moderation and red meat should be avoided.
- Diabetics should drink plenty of water. It is the easiest way to reduce blood sugar level.
- Diabetics should try to reduce or eliminate the amount of alcohol consumption.
- Fruits and vegetables and the raw form are better for diabetics, fruits have the natural sugar content so only those fruits that have lower fructose content should be selected. Vegetables generally have less sugar, so a person should incorporate maximum servings of vegetables into their meal plan.