11 Diet Tips for Diabetic Patients to Lead a Healthy Life

Diabetes is one of the most common and dangerous disease which can severely affect our lifestyle. Because it is such a widespread disease, almost everybody knows that a good diet combined with regular exercise can prevent any complications caused by diabetes. A healthy diet can, in fact, avert the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that although people with diabetes must adhere to a strict diet, they do not have to preclude any vital type of food. The diet is almost as same as a diet you may want to follow for a healthy life. The only basic aversion in the diet of a person with diabetes is certain food containing a large amount of sugar. Following are some general tips which every dietitian for diabetes management recommends to the patients.

Eating schedule:

Eating regularly and timely is a must for every person with diabetes. There are slight effects on the glucose level when you skip your meals or have delayed meals. Whether it is because of work or long journey’s, diabetics cannot afford this effect on their glucose. Always carry healthy snacks with you to avoid such scenarios.

Vegetables and fruits:

Eat fruits and vegetables instead of food that contains high-calories, added salt, and sugar.

SUGAR!

As painful and impossible as it may seem, you must teach yourself to cut back on sugar. This is of utmost importance to every diabetic. Avoid added sugar in food and your drinks. Have your tea and coffee without adding sugar, avoid fruits that are canned in syrup, and pay attention to the food labels.

Pulses:

Pulses such as garden peas, beans, chickpeas, and lentils are a low-fat starchy source of fibre and protein bars suitable diabetics.

Grilled meat:

Decrease the consumption of saturated and trans fats by eating fish and poultry without the skin and cooked. You can consider eating grilled meat instead of fried ones. You must follow the same while cooking red meat and reduce its intake. 

Fish:

 Eat fish at least twice a week. Eat oily fish which are a rich source of omega-3 such as mackerel, salmon, sardine, herring, and trout.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats:

Replace partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, saturated fat and trans fat with polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats.

Dairy:

Go for low-fat dairy products which contain only 1% of fats. Also, select skimmed milk since it is fat-free. Decrease the intake of butter and cheese. Switch to tomato-based sauces instead of creamy ones.

Salt:

Cut back on salts. Avoid food with high sodium like processed foods. Prepare food at home with little or no salt. This is also beneficial to prevent other diseases such as high blood pressure.

Whole grains:

Every nutritionist in Delhi recommends whole grains that are high in fibre as a healthy source of carbohydrate.

Alcohol:

Avoid alcohol as much as you can. But in case you need to, drink it only in moderation. Do not drink more than one drink a day.

As you can see, this is almost the same as the diet followed by a non-diabetic. Not only is a healthy diet essential to maintain your sugar levels but also to lead a healthy life. It is crucial to follow a strict diet as diabetes lead to other diseases and horrendous complication which might even require amputation. Be wary of food labelled as ‘diabetic food’ which are expensive and are of no particular benefit. Research thoroughly before buying such items. Remember that diabetes is a disease that can be controlled. So, a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise ensures a long and healthy living.