Diabetes and Diet Options to Help

Wondering what type of foods you need to eat because you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes? Even though diabetes is not yet cured, it is a very treatable disease. You will need to closely follow any instructions given to you by your primary care physician as a part of your treatment plan. It may include taking certain medications for your diabetes and/or contain a list of diet options that can help you keep your diabetes under control. Giving your body the proper nutrition it needs is especially important.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that happens when a person's immune system attacks the body’s ability to make its own insulin, which regulates blood sugar. According to the Diabetes Research Institute, there are more than 30 million Americans living with diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart failure and stroke.

While blood sugar is essential to one’s overall health because it provides them with the necessary energy their body needs to function, too much can lead to one experiencing a long list of health issues. This makes it extremely important for those living with diabetes to figure out which foods will help keep their blood sugar levels under control.

Diet options to help

The following is a list of food options that help control blood sugar levels, which is important to overall health.

Fresh fruits

Fresh fruits, with a focus on blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are beneficial to health, as they have the highest antioxidant levels. Avoid fruit juices that contain high amounts of added sugar.

Fresh vegetables

Eat a lot of fresh vegetables, with a focus on non-starchy vegetables that have a GI rating of 55 or less. Ideally, the more colorful, the better.

Leafy greens

Focus on leafy green vegetables, like kale for its high levels of vitamin A and vitamin K. They are also low in carbs, which raise your blood sugar levels.

Lean proteins

Fresh chicken or fish, with a focus on salmon due to its high level of omega-three fatty acids, eggs are beans are good sources of protein.

Avoid foods and drinks that are high in trans fats and sugars. This includes sodas, margarine, white breads and pastas, fried foods and processed foods.

Have any questions for us?

If you have any questions about diabetes or the food options that can help you manage your diabetes, we can answer them for you. We have a professional and caring team that always makes it a goal to be available to those in need of information.

If you would like to make a consultation appointment so you can get detailed answers to your questions, give us a call when you have a few moments so we can get you scheduled in at a time that is convenient for you.

Are you considering changing your diet to help with your diabetes in the Fairfax area? Get more diabetes information at https://millenniummedicalcare.com.

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