Diabetes
Diabetes Demystified
Understanding and Managing Your Health
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels, leading to high blood sugar. There are several types of diabetes, with type 1 and type 2 being the most common. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring. Proper management includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar levels, and, in some cases, taking insulin or oral medications. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are crucial to prevent complications and ensure a healthy, active life for individuals with diabetes. In our diabetes section, you’ll find valuable information, tips, and resources to help you better understand and manage this condition.
12 Fabulous Foods to Beat Diabetes
For years, experts recommended a low-fat diet, but new research finds that low-carb diets are better at reducing high blood sugar.
The American Diabetes Association encourages people to work with a nutrition professional on a personalized diet plan.
- These tasty foods include:
Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and their richly colored cousins are high in fiber and antioxidants and low on the glycemic index (GI), but limit serving size due to sugar content. - Cheese: Low in carbs and high in protein, it helps control hunger.
- Coffee: Up to three cups a day is fine for people with type 2 diabetes, consider switching to decaf if blood sugar control is an issue.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and fat-soluble vitamins, they won’t cause blood sugar spikes.
- Fish: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna have negligible carbs and supply heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avocados: High in soluble and insoluble fiber, limit to half an avocado per day due to calorie content.
- Herbs: Rosemary, oregano, and marjoram help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Mushrooms: With close to zero carbs, they don’t raise blood sugar and are nutrient-rich.
- Olive Oil: Packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, it helps reduce blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Salad Greens: Leafy greens are rich in magnesium, which regulates blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Tomatoes: Lower blood pressure and improve heart health, rated as a diabetes superfood by the American Diabetes Association.
- Yogurt: Rich in calcium and probiotics, Greek yogurt has more protein and helps control hunger pangs; choose plain unsweetened yogurt.