Having type 2 diabetes is associated with high blood glucose levels - which means choosing foods that are low in carbohydrates. Excess glucose can disrupt the functions of vital proteins, leading to pathological changes in almost all organs of the body.
The basic rule of nutrition in diabetes is to try to maintain a stable blood sugar level by avoiding fast carbohydrates, eating fiber sources, and eating regularly every few hours, which will allow the body to digest and absorb energy evenly.
However, dietary planning for diabetes should be based on a comprehensive strategy, and not simply on the elimination of "harmful" foods from the diet and switching to "healthy" ones. Ultimately, the role is played solely by the amount and time of consumption of a particular product.
Important caveats:
Your nutritional strategy for diabetes depends a lot on how your body responds to glucose - and whether there are other chronic conditions. Being overweight (and, in particular, metabolic syndrome) may require a reduction in caloric intake.
The advice given in the material is only a generalization and in no way is intended to replace the personal advice of a doctor. Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that can lead to death if not treated correctly.
Top 6 healthy foods:
Eating a low-carb diet (a typical nutritional strategy in type 2 diabetes) can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. That is why diabetics need to make sure that they always have natural foods with a low GI and a high content of nutrients in their diet:
1. Leafy vegetables:
Due to their high potassium content, leafy vegetables (primarily spinach, to lesser extent lettuce, and all kinds of cabbage) help improve vascular function. In addition, they contain calcium, magnesium, and iron - minerals that have a positive effect on blood parameters.
2. Green vegetables:
On average, 100 g of green vegetables (green peas, cucumbers, zucchini, etc.) account for no more than 3-6 g of carbohydrates, most of which is fiber. Eating them regularly helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Berries:
The bright color of the berries is due to the presence of flavonoids in the composition. Quercetin(a red or purple pigment) helps reduce the risk of chronic vascular disease by normalizing vascular permeability. Anthocyanin (a purple pigment) can affect blood sugar levels.
4. Citrus fruits:
Since citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit) have a low glycemic index, they can be included in the diet in moderation in the presence of diabetes. Their key advantage is the presence of a large amount of vitamin C, an important component of immunity.
5. Nuts:
On the one hand, nuts are an excellent source of high-quality protein, fiber, and minerals. On the other hand, due to their high-fat content, they are high in calories. If calorie restriction is not required, nuts can be consumed in small amounts for diabetes.
6. Sweet potato (sweet potato):
Sweet potato is a plant related to the regular potato but differs from it in its carbohydrate profile and glycemic index. In particular, the fiber content in sweet potatoes is 50% higher than in regular potatoes - and among other advantages, the presence of vitamin A can be noted.
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