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Nutrition

What's the best way of eating for people with diabetes?

 

What foods should people with diabetes avoid? Which foods are best?

 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month!

The number of Americans with diabetes grows each year. There are various types of diabetes or diabetes-related conditions, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.

Diabetes prevents your body from properly utilizing sugars from foods. The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin, in response to the foot you eat, that raises the sugar in your blood stream. Insulin is necessary to move this sugar into body cells to give you the energy for the body to work well. When you have diabetes, your pancreas isn’t functioning well.

So, while you are working with your healthcare team to stabilize your blood sugar using insulin or other methods, what are the best foods you can eat to help control your diabetes? 

Receive diabetes health tips!

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to follow a healthy nutrition plan. If you need help planning your meals, talk to your physician about scheduling you to see a dietitian or make an appointment with Beebe Diabetes Management & Medical Nutrition Therapy: 302-645-3121.

Beebe’s certified diabetes educators, medical nutrition therapists, and endocrinology specialists with Beebe Endocrinology can help you live a healthier life while managing your diabetes.

Talk to your physician for a referral to a dietitian with Beebe Medical Nutrition Therapy.

 

Foods That Are Good for People with Diabetes

  • Non-starchy green vegetables. Green vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, salad greens, and peppers are good for diabetics because they are low in sugar carbohydrates and high in fiber.
  • Beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas, and other legumes
  • Low-sugar, fresh fruits such as berries, apples, and citrus (in moderation)
  • Whole grains such as bulgur, farro, brown rice, and rolled oats
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Healthy fats such as avocado and fish such as salmon, sardines, or tuna

 

Foods To Avoid for People with Diabetes:

  • Fried foods
  • Processed foods such as white bread, white rice, pasta, and foods with added sugars such as juice or soda.
  • Saturated fats. Avoid high-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as butter, beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon. Also limit coconut and palm kernel oils.
  • Trans fats. Avoid trans fats found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines.
  • Cholesterol. Cholesterol sources include high-fat dairy products and high-fat animal proteins, egg yolks, liver, and other organ meats. Aim for no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day.
  • Sodium. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day. Your doctor may suggest you aim for even less if you have high blood pressure.

With so many foods to choose from and so many to avoid, it can be incredibly difficult to put it all together and know you are making the correct choices for your health.

Working with certified diabetes educators like those at Beebe can help you put together a plan and menus. In addition, there are many Smartphone apps that are easy to use and can help you track calories, fitness, vegetable consumption, and more! Try MyFitnessPal or a similar app to really make sure you are on the right track.

Learn more about Beebe Diabetes Management & Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Learn more about Beebe Endocrinology.