Diabetics do not take medications except to control blood sugar levels. However, alongside medication, specific dietary tips for diabetics should be followed to help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.
This is especially important as consistently high blood sugar levels warn of serious complications, such as damage to the kidneys, retina, or nerves.
So, what are the most important dietary tips for diabetics? And what foods and liquid nutritional supplements are beneficial for them?
Why Do Diabetics Need a Customized Dietary Plan?
Diabetics need to adhere to a healthy dietary plan that helps control blood sugar levels, as well as manage weight and control risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood fats and high blood pressure.
When consuming extra calories and carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise. If not controlled, this can lead to serious health problems and long-term complications, such as kidney and nerve damage.
For most people with Type 2 diabetes, losing weight can also make it easier to control blood sugar.
Beneficial Foods for Diabetics
Types of beneficial foods for diabetics that are recommended for consumption include:
1. Healthy Carbohydrates
It is preferable to focus on eating healthy carbohydrates in the diet instead of simple carbohydrates.
Examples of healthy carbohydrates include:
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Fruits.
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Vegetables.
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Whole grains.
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Legumes, such as beans and peas.
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Low-fat dairy products, such as milk and cheese.
2. Fiber-Rich Foods
The body cannot digest or absorb dietary fiber, which in turn helps control blood sugar levels and slows down digestion to increase the feeling of fullness.
Examples of fiber-rich foods include:
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Vegetables.
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Fruits (but they should be eaten whole to benefit from the fiber instead of drinking them as juices).
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Whole grains.
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Nuts.
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Legumes.
3. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, are among the foods richest in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease and are also beneficial for diabetics.
4. Healthy Fats
Diabetics are also advised to eat foods rich in healthy fats, which can also contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, such as:
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Nuts.
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Avocados.
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Olive oil.
However, caution should be taken against overconsumption, as fats are high in calories.
Diabetes Diet Plan
Several methods help create a healthy dietary system for diabetics to maintain blood sugar levels, such as:
1. The Plate Method
The American Diabetes Association recommends this simple method for planning meals for diabetics, which involves:
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Filling 1/2 of the plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as tomatoes, spinach, and carrots.
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Filling 1/4 of the plate with lean protein, such as tuna, lean beef, or chicken.
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Filling the final 1/4 of the plate with carbohydrates, such as brown rice, or starchy vegetables like green peas.
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Including healthy fats in small amounts, such as nuts.
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Adding a piece of fruit or a serving of dairy, and a cup of unsweetened coffee or tea.
2. Carbohydrate Counting
Carbohydrates break down into sugar after digestion, so they have the lion's share of influence on blood sugar levels.
Therefore, you may need to know the amount of carbohydrates you consume in each meal.
A dietitian can teach you how to measure meal portions and how to pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates in each meal so they do not affect your sugar levels.
Safe Nutritional Drinks for Diabetics
AlJawaher Almotamayza Pharmacies provide a range of nutritional drinks and Diabetes Medications beneficial for diabetics that help control blood sugar levels while providing necessary nutrition.
However, a doctor should be consulted to determine what suits you:
1. Diaben Liquid Drink (Cappuccino Flavor)
Diaben is a liquid drink with a cappuccino taste that assists in nutrition for diabetics. It contains all the body's essential nutrients and is used for cases of malnutrition coinciding with diabetes.
2. Glucerna SR for Diabetics (Vanilla)
Glucerna SR milk is a nutritional supplement for diabetics. It is balanced and meets all nutritional needs, including carbohydrates, without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. It also contains healthy fats and high-quality protein.
3. Glucerna G1 for Diabetics (Vanilla)
Glucerna G1 milk helps control blood sugar levels and is prescribed for cases of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It contains all the essential nutrients the body needs.
4. Nestlé Resource Diabetic
Nestlé Resource Diabetic is a nutritional supplement for diabetics providing complete nutrition from minerals, vitamins, high-quality protein, and dietary fiber. It can be relied upon as part of an integrated dietary system for diabetics.
Dietary Tips for Diabetics
Diabetics are generally recommended to adhere to certain dietary tips to achieve the highest possible degree of control over their blood sugar levels, such as:
1. Increase Intake of Fruits and Vegetables
You should consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, whether at mealtimes or as snacks if you are hungry.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber that the body needs daily to maintain health.
While fruits contain sugar, it is natural sugar, which differs from the added sugar found in foods like chocolate, cakes, and biscuits.
2. Reduce Added Sugar Intake
It may be difficult to eliminate sugar from the food you eat, especially at first, but try to drink plain milk, tea, or unsweetened coffee instead of sugary drinks and fruit juices.
Stopping added sugar helps control blood sugar levels. You can also try low-calorie or calorie-free sweeteners to help reduce added sugar.
In the long term, it is advised to try reducing foods high in sugars, such as cakes, sweets, and chocolate, and eating healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and unsweetened dairy products.
3. Consume Less Red and Processed Meat
If you are reducing carbohydrates, you may start eating larger amounts of meat to feel full. However, it is not good to do this with red and processed meats, as they are linked to heart problems and cancer when overconsumed. Instead, you can eat:
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Eggs.
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Fish.
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Poultry, such as chicken and turkey.
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Legumes, such as beans and lentils.
4. Reduce Salt Intake
Most of the salt we eat comes from processed foods. Too much salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which in turn can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you have diabetes, you may already be at a higher risk for these health problems. Therefore, you should not consume more than 5 grams of salt (one teaspoon) daily. You must also pay attention to the amount of salt in pre-packaged foods.
Various types of herbs and spices can be relied upon to compensate for the taste of salt.
