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Diabetis Food
DR. B K DAS
Choosing satisfying, nutrient-dense foods that meet individual nutrition requirements can help people living with type 2 diabetes manage their condition.
The American Diabetes Association advises people to always read the nutrition facts label of a product. This is the best way to know how many grams of carbohydrates and how many calories are in the food.
Vegetables
Vegetables form the basis of a nutritious diet. They are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Fiber and complex carbohydrates, present in many vegetables, can help a person feel full. This, in turn, can deter overeating, which may lead to undesirable weight gain and problems with blood sugar.
Some vegetables to add to the shopping list includeTrusted Source:
broccoli
carrots
greens
peppers
tomatoes
potatoes
corn
green peas
Learn about the best vegetables for type 2 diabetes here.
Beans and legumes
Beans, lentils, and other pulses are great sources of dietary fiber and protein.
The high fiber content of foods in the pulse family means that the digestive tract absorbs fewer carbohydrates than it does from low fiber, high carbohydrate foods.
This means that these foods are excellent carbohydrate choices for individuals with diabetes. People can also use them in place of meat or cheese.
Below are some examples of legumes to pick up in canned, frozen, or dried form:
black beans
lentils
white beans
garbanzo beans
kidney beans
pinto beans
Also, pressure- or slow-cooking beans may help improve their digestibility.
Learn more about the health benefits of beans here.
Fruit
Fruit can have a high sugar content, but the sugar in whole fruit does not count toward free sugars. Therefore, people with diabetes should not avoid fruit.
The following fruits make solid additions to the diet of anyone who has type 2 diabetes, thanks to their low glycemic load:
apples
avocado
blackberries
cherries
grapefruit
peaches
pears
plums
strawberries
Learn more about fruit and diabetes here.
Whole grains
Whole grains can be an effective way for people with diabetes to manage their blood glucose levels, since they often have a lower glycemic index.
People should avoid bleached and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white pasta, and instead choose some of the following when consuming grains:
100% whole wheat or legume-based pasta
whole grain bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice
quinoa
wild rice
100% whole grain or whole wheat flour
cornmeal
oatmeal
millet
amaranth
barley
Whole grains will also leave a person feeling full longer and can have more flavor than highly processed carbohydrates.
Dairy
Dairy products contain essential nutrients, including calcium and protein. Some research suggests that dairy has a positive effect on insulin secretion in some individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Some of the best options to add to one’s diet are:
Parmesan, ricotta, or cottage cheese
low fat or skim milk
low fat Greek or plain yogurt
Learn about the best type of milk for diabetes here.
Meat
Proteins are important for people with diabetes.
Like high fiber and high fat foods, proteins are slow to digest and cause only mild increases in blood sugar.
The following are some good sources of protein to choose from:
skinless, boneless chicken breast or strips
salmon, sardines, tuna, and other oily fish
white fish fillets
skinless turkey breast
eggs
Plant-based proteins include beans and bean products, such as:
black beans
kidney beans
pinto beans
refried beans
hummus
falafel
lentils
peas
edamame
tempeh
tofu
Learn more about plant-based proteins here.
Dressings, dips, spices, and condiments
Plenty of flavorings and dressings can be great for those trying to manage their blood sugar.
The following are some tasty options that people with diabetes can choose from:
vinegar
olive oil
mustard
any spice or herb
any variety of extract
hot sauce
salsa
To make a vinaigrette, whisk together equal amounts of olive oil and balsamic or another vinegar and add salt, pepper, mustard, and herbs to taste.
Remember to account for the carbohydrates a dressing provides.
Barbecue sauces, ketchup, and certain salad dressings may also be high in fat, sugar, or both, so it is necessary to check the nutrition facts label before buying any of these products.
Dessert foods
People with type 2 diabetes can have desserts, but they should be mindful of portion sizes and of how often they consume these foods.
The following are some low calorie or low carbohydrate dessert options that have less of an impact on blood sugar levels than regular desserts:
popsicles with no added sugar
100% fruit popsicles
sugar-free gelatin
pudding or ice cream sweetened with zero-calorie or low calorie sweeteners such as stevia and erythritol
Fruit-based desserts — such as homemade fruit salad without added sugar, or mixed summer fruits — can be a tasty and healthy way to finish a meal.
However, it is advisable to account for the sugar in fruit when counting carbohydrates.
Learn about sweets and desserts for people with diabetes here.
Sugar-free options for diabetes
A person with diabetes will need to manage their sugar intake. However, sugar-free foods may still affect a person’s blood glucose.
“Sugar-free” means that a food item does not contain added sugar, but the product itself can contain carbohydrates, which affect blood glucose levels.
Sugar alcohols are one example of this. Manufacturers often use these low calorie sweeteners in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, ice cream, and fruit spreads. Common sugar alcohols include:
xylitol
erythritol
sorbitol
maltitol
These are types of carbohydrates and can raise blood glucose levels.
A person may wish to opt for sugar substitutes. In most cases, a serving of a sugar substitute will have little impact on blood glucose levels.
Common sugar substitutes include:
saccharin
neotame
aspartame
sucralose
stevia
advantame
Learn more about the best sweeteners for people with diabetes here.
Snacks
For cravings between meals, a person can try:
homemade popcorn, but not ready-made or sweetened varieties
nuts, but not sweetened ones
carrot or celery sticks with hummus
small amounts of fresh fruit paired with a protein or fat, such as an apple with almond butter
Learn more snack ideas for people with diabetes here.
Drinks
Water is healthy for everyone, including individuals with diabetes.
There are other options, but beverages such as milk and juice can contain high levels of carbohydrates and will affect a person’s blood sugar. Therefore, it is important to account for these as one would for food.
Here are a few options a person with diabetes may wish to consider:
unsweetened ice or hot tea
unsweetened coffee
low fat or skim milk
unsweetened plant-based milks
sparkling water
Learn why doctors may not recommend diet soda for people with diabetes here.
Foods to limit or avoid
People with type 2 diabetes should limit or avoid the same foods that are less healthy for individuals without the condition. They should also avoid foods that cause considerable blood sugar fluctuations.
A person following a low or very low carbohydrate meal plan should avoid consuming large amounts of:
simple carbohydrates
saturated and trans fats
sugar in the form of candy, ice cream, and cakes
More specifically, people should limit their intake of:
packaged and fast foods, such as baked goods, sweets, chips, and desserts
white bread
white pasta
white rice
fried foods such as french fries
sugary cereals
sugary drinks
processed meats
red meat
It is also advisable to avoid low fat products that have replaced fat with sugar. Fat-free yogurt is a good example.
People living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes can try swapping some foods for healthier versions. This may include choosing whole grain rice, pasta, or bread or replacing fried potatoes with baked potatoes.
Cooking food at home is usually the best option, as it allows people to avoid the added sugars that are present in many ready-made food items.
Learn more about foods to avoid with diabetes here.
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