Diabetes is a lifestyle illness characterised by abnormally high blood glucose or blood sugar levels. Increased thirst, urination, hunger, weariness, hazy vision, and unexplained weight loss are some of the symptoms of the disease. However, the disease and its symptoms can be managed by adhering to a well-planned diabetic diet chart.
Diabetes is classified into two types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The former is more prevalent in youngsters, and the pancreas does not generate insulin in this scenario. The latter is thought to be the milder variety, in which the pancreas produces some insulin but not enough.
While diabetes is a severe condition, knowing how to control it is critical. As a result, eating the correct foods and taking care of your health is crucial in controlling the illness.
Diabetic Diet Food Plan
Certain meals assist reduce blood sugar levels, allowing them to play an important role in diabetes management. Consuming foods that prevent diabetic complications such as heart and kidney problems is also incredibly useful.
These ten diabetic diet items will help you get your diabetes under control. So, let’s have a look at the diabetic diet chart.
1. Leafy Greens
Green, green veggies are low in calories while being high in nutrients. Because they are low in digestible carbohydrates, they also serve an important role in managing blood sugar levels.
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens, for example, are high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C. According to one study, boosting vitamin C consumption lowers fasting blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Even if you have high blood pressure.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is well-known for its potential to treat diabetes, in addition to its antioxidant effects. Cinnamon, according to multiple controlled research, can help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
However, you should restrict your consumption of cassia cinnamon to less than a teaspoon each day. Because of the presence of coumarin in this variety of cinnamon, greater amounts might create health concerns. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, does not have a high coumarin content.
3. Fatty Fish
Diabetics can eat salmon, sardines, and mackerel in moderation. These fatty fish are high in DHA and EPA, which are omega-3 fatty acids with significant heart health advantages.
Improving the dietary intake of these fats may be especially beneficial for diabetics, who are at a higher risk of heart disease.
DHA and EPA aid in the reduction of inflammatory indicators. It also enhances the function of the arteries after meals and preserves the cell lining of the blood vessels. There has been evidence-based research to back up the above assertion.
It has been demonstrated that senior adults who consume fatty fish more than 5 times per week for 8 weeks had substantial decreases in triglyceride levels and inflammatory markers.
They also provide high-quality protein, which keeps you fuller for longer and boosts your metabolic rate.
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in fibre but have low indigestible carbohydrates. In this regard, the viscous fibre present in these seeds helps to reduce blood sugar levels. It accomplishes this by delaying the pace at which food moves through the intestines and is absorbed.
Furthermore, the fibre included in chia seeds helps one feel full, preventing overeating and excessive weight gain. Chia seeds are also beneficial for lowering blood pressure and inflammatory indicators.
5. Greek Yogurt
Because of its capacity to manage blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease, Greek yoghurt is an excellent dairy option for diabetics. This is due in part to the presence of probiotics.
Yoghurt and other dairy products have also been shown in studies to help persons with type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve their body composition. Because Greek yoghurt has fewer carbohydrates than regular yoghurt, it might be a wonderful substitute for meat.
Furthermore, its high protein content assists weight reduction by preventing bingeing and regulating carb consumption. So, for all the health benefits, including Greek yoghurt in your diabetic diet.
6. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds, also known as Alsi in India, contain lignans, which are insoluble fibre. It lowers the risk of heart disease and improves blood sugar management.
According to one study, persons with type 2 diabetes who ingested flaxseed lignans for 12 weeks saw a significant improvement in haemoglobin A1c.
Similarly, another study found that eating more flaxseed may reduce the incidence of stroke. Their high viscous fibre content benefits a variety of factors, including intestinal health, insulin sensitivity, and the sense of fullness in the body.
7. Nuts
As we all know, nuts contain fibre and are low in digestible fibre, however, the quantities vary. Consumption of various types of nuts has been demonstrated in studies to decrease inflammation and lower HbA1c. It can also help to decrease blood sugar and LDL cholesterol levels. As a result, it is ideal for incorporating in a diabetic diet plan.
Recent research found that persons with diabetes who ate 30 g of walnuts every day for a year dropped weight. Their body composition improved, and their insulin levels were dramatically reduced.
People with type 2 diabetes frequently have elevated insulin levels, which is connected to obesity.
Researchers also believe that exceptionally high insulin levels raise the risk of major illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Despite the fact that it is created from apples, the sugar content of the fruit is fermented into acetic acid, resulting in a product with extremely few carbohydrates.
In addition, apple cider vinegar has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood sugar levels. It can also lower blood sugar levels by 20% when combined with carb-containing meals. Furthermore, the research found that giving persons with poorly managed diabetes two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime resulted in a 6% drop in fasting blood sugar levels.
9. Garlic
Garlic has been shown to offer several health advantages. In certain trials, it has been proven to lower inflammation, blood sugar, and LDL levels in persons with type 2 diabetes.
It can, in fact, be highly helpful in lowering blood pressure levels in the body. Furthermore, garlic is minimal in calories, with a single clove containing only 4 calories.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are particularly high in anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give them their bright red colour. These antioxidants have been demonstrated to lower insulin and lipid levels immediately following a meal. They also lower the risk of high blood sugar levels and heart disease in those with type 2 diabetes.
A single cup of strawberries, for example, has 49 calories and just 11 grammes of carbohydrates, three of which are fibre. This serving also provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, providing additional anti-inflammatory benefits for heart health.
Wrapping It Up
To summarise, while diabetes may be exceedingly harmful to one’s health, it can also be controlled organically. Health concerns can also be prevented by simply adhering to a good diabetic diet and eating properly.