Diabetes and Diet Care

Diabetes is a common condition that affects people of all ages. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common. A combination of treatment strategies can help manage the condition to live a healthy life and prevent complications. Nutrition and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle when suffering from diabetes. Along with other benefits, following a healthy meal plan and being active can help to keep blood sugar in a target range.

Foods to be included in diabetes:
Eating the right foods for diabetes means eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oats
• Proteins such as lean meats, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, lentils, and tofu
• Non-fat or low-fat dairy, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Apart from that certain superfoods like chia seeds, quinoa, basil seeds, flaxseeds etc. could be consumed as a part of your daily diet regime.

Foods to be avoided in diabetes:
To keep your blood sugar under control, you may need to cut back on foods and drinks that are high in carbs. This doesn’t mean that you can never enjoy them. But you will need to have them less often or in smaller amounts.
The high-carb foods and drinks you should limit include:

• Sugary foods, such as candy, cookies, cake, ice cream, sweetened cereals and canned fruits with added sugar
• Drinks with added sugars, such as juice, soda, and sports or energy drinks
• White rice, breads and pasta – especially those made with white/refined flour
• Starchy vegetables, such as white potatoes, corn, and peas
• Limit the intake of alcohol, fat and salt
• If you have diabetes, it’s important to eat the right amount of food every day. Eating healthy to control your blood sugar does take some effort.
  But the reward is a chance to live your healthiest life with diabetes.
  
  
  

For more guidance on diet contact, Nutritionist Dinu Vaishnava