Diabetes can be controlled with diet and alterations in lifestyle. Change in food habits helps to maintain blood sugar levels. These dietary changes can also prevent complications associated with diabetes like kidney and heart-related complications. Controlling diabetes with diet includes eating three meals at regular intervals. It prevents sudden surge in glucose levels by optimal utilization of insulin in the body. The diet should provide all essential elements that are required for the maintenance of level of blood glucose as shown in the table below.
Based on the physical activity and calorie requirement, you must include healthy carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products with low fats. As the carbohydrates break down into glucose, the inclusion of healthy carbohydrates helps to maintain blood sugar levels at lower levels.
Fibers are a form of carbohydrate that our body cannot digest. Soluble fibers can dissolve in water and help maintain blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes like beans and nuts are rich sources of fiber.
Fruits, fish cereals, vegetables, beans, eggs, meat, and liver are rich in vitamins. The introduction of vitamin-rich food in the diet of diabetics can have multiple health benefits. Vitamin C is important in various physiological processes of the body. Diabetic patients have decreased sensitivity to insulin. Hence, the glucose metabolism and relaxation of blood vessels that are two functions of insulin get affected. These actions are also controlled by nitric oxide. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C increase the level of nitric oxide. Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme for various enzymatic activities in the body. It is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body. Decreased levels of Vitamin B6 are associated with diabetes.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids lower cholesterol levels in the body. Omega-3-fatty acid of fish helps to prevent heart-related complications in diabetics. Fish meal is also a rich source of minerals like manganese and selenium.
Maintaining a healthy diet plan helps keep the blood glucose levels under control. The diet for patients with diabetes must contain essential elements like manganese, selenium, vitamins, good fat, fibers, and healthy carbohydrates. Healthy carbohydrates with a low glycemic index are crucial for maintaining glucose levels, as carbohydrates metabolize to form glucose.
Fiber-rich food also helps to maintain a lower level of blood glucose. It also controls blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Intake of fiber-rich food helps to reduce insulin resistance and chances of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin C and vitamin B6 are also important in patients with diabetes. These vitamins are critical for the metabolism of glucose. Vitamin C prevents the development of insulin resistance, and Vitamin B6 prevents complications like retinopathy and pain from neuropathy in diabetes. Fruits, fish cereals, vegetables, beans, eggs, meat, and liver, which are rich in vitamins, must be included in the diet.
Vegetables with a low glycemic index are best for diabetes. Healthy fats also help to control diabetes and prevent associated complications. Fish contains omega-3-fatty acids and minerals like manganese and selenium. These minerals are antioxidants and reduce damage by free radicals in metabolic diseases like diabetes.
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