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Diabetes Awareness Month 2019: 24 Foods That Help Manage Diabetes

Every year, the month of November is observed as the Diabetes Awareness Month - celebrated globally to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The theme of World Diabetes Day and diabetes awareness month 2019 is 'Family and Diabetes'.

Diabetes Awareness Month 2019 also aims to focus on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On this awareness month, let us take a look at the different types of food that can help manage the condition.

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that needs to be treated effectively. Yet the best treatment for this chronic disease is its prevention. It is possible to forestall diabetic health complications by keeping the disease under control. In severe cases, diabetes can develop major health complications such as stroke or kidney disease. Some main symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, fatigue, tiredness, increased urination, slow healing of wounds [1] .

Diabetes

Known to be a disease with multifactorial aetiology, diabetes requires various solutions to manage the condition, be it by taking pills, following a stringent diet and making lifestyle changes. The most important strategy to prevent diabetes is to identify the presence of risk factors as well as to focus on dietary guidelines. Eating foods that are high in fibre such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts can trim down the risk of diabetes [2] .

The amount and the type of sugar are the main factors that help in categorizing foods into best and worst. If you are diabetic, you have to look at the glycaemic index (GI) of all food items, apart from the nutrient content [3] . Prefer foods with a low glycaemic index and avoid those with a high glycaemic index.

Foods That Help Manage Diabetes

1. Fenugreek

The leaves and seeds are extremely beneficial for stabilising the blood sugar levels in your body. Several herbs have been used to aid with the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Among the more prevalent ones, fenugreek helps in keeping the levels of blood sugar stable, enhances glucose tolerance and assists in glucose excretion [4] .

2. Cayenne pepper

Possessing antidiabetic effects, cayenne peppers help reduce the glucose level in your blood by increasing the insulin levels and glycogen content. The capsaicin compound in the peppers is responsible for lowering your blood pressure [5] .

Diabetes

3. Cinnamon

One of the most common kitchen ingredients, cinnamon has shown effective results in lowering the blood sugar level and improving insulin sensitivity. It has antioxidant properties, which can also lower the triglyceride levels in type 2 diabetes and cholesterol [6] . If consumed for a period of 3 months, cinnamon can control the haemoglobin A1c, which determines the level of long-term diabetes. It also aids the type-1 diabetes level, but one must limit its consumption to 1 teaspoon daily [7] .

4. Egg

A rich source of protein, consuming eggs can help improve the insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and increase the good HDL cholesterol and decrease the bad LDL cholesterol. Hard-boiled eggs help cut down the blood sugar levels [8] .

5. Chia seeds

The low amount of digestible carbohydrates and the rich source of fibre help maintain a healthy balance in the blood sugar level. The chia seeds reduce the speed at which the food consumed moves through the gut and gets absorbed in the body [9] . Chia seeds are beneficial in preventing and treating diabetes, as these enable insulin regulation.

Diabetes

6. Greek yoghurt

Apart from being a good source of gut-healthy bacteria, yoghurt is a good choice for those people with diabetes. In order to control the blood sugar level and reduce the risk of developing heart disease, consuming Greek yoghurt can be beneficial due to its probiotics content. This dairy product not only helps in weight loss but improves the body composition of type 2 diabetic people as well [10] .

7. Turmeric

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, helps in lowering the blood sugar, inflammation, and decreases the potential chance of having a heart ailment. It also improves kidney health which gets worst affected in case of diabetes [11] .

8. Nuts

Hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, Macadamia nuts, and walnuts are a rich source of fibre and contain low digestible carbohydrates. Studies reveal that daily consumption of these nuts can help in controlling the blood sugar level and reduce inflammation, LDL cholesterol level, and insulin level [12] .

Diabetes

9. Broccoli

Extremely beneficial for type 2 diabetes, consuming broccoli can help prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes [13] . Also, other green vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, parsley, celery, cucumber, cauliflower, green beans and kohlrabi help improve insulin sensitivity and thus better regulate blood glucose levels. Eating these vegetables can help in cases of diabetes and obesity, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes because vegetables are rich in magnesium and are known as effective antioxidants [14] .

10. Flax seeds

In order to control the blood sugar level and improve the heart health, consumption of flax seeds is a healthy option. People who are suffering from type 2 diabetes have shown an increase in the haemoglobin A1c level after consuming flax seeds for 12 weeks [15] . The high-viscous fibre helps in improving the gut health, reducing the risk of heart attack and strokes, preventing the occurrence of blood clots, increasing insulin sensitivity, and satiating the hunger pangs for a long span [12] .

11. Extra-virgin olive oil

A rich source of oleic acid, extra-virgin olive oil helps in escalating the HDL cholesterol level and triglycerides level for the type 2 diabetes patients [11] . Consumption of this oil has shown an increase in the GLP-1 hormone and reduced the risk of heart disease.

Diabetes

12. Apple cider vinegar

To improve insulin sensitivity and lower the fasting blood sugar level, consuming apple cider vinegar is the best option. When consumed with a carbohydrate enriched meal, apple cider vinegar can reduce nearly 20 per cent of the blood sugar level. Consuming two tablespoons of this vinegar during bedtime can lead to a 6 per cent reduction in the blood sugar level [15] .

13. Strawberries

Enriched with antioxidant anthocyanins, strawberries are one of the most nutritious fruits that one can eat. This antioxidant helps in reducing the insulin level after the meal and controls the blood sugar level for type 2 diabetes patients. Blueberries are also beneficial in managing diabetes [16] .

14. Garlic

A herb with immense nutritional benefits, garlic not only enhances the taste of the food but controls the blood sugar level, inflammation, and LDL cholesterol for type 2 diabetes patients as well. Consuming a clove of garlic every day can also help in reducing the blood pressure level [17] .

15. Shirataki Noodles

The noodles contain a high amount of glucomannan fibre that is extracted from the roots of Konjac. Its medicinal benefits render a lower level of blood sugar and improve health by eliminating the factors that can trigger diabetes [9] .

Diabetes

16. Beans

People with diabetes should consume dried beans and avoid the sodium content of canned beans. Beans, which are low in the glycaemic index, help repress the blood sugar levels better than any other starchy foods [17] .

17. Brown rice

White rice can get your blood sugars soaring, so make sure to replace it with brown rice. Consuming brown rice reduces diabetes risk by almost 15 per cent. Moreover, replacing rice with other grains can reduce or prevent diabetes by 35 per cent [18] .

Diabetes

18. Asparagus

By controlling your blood sugar levels, this green vegetable can help boost the output of insulin, which can eventually make the body to sop up glucose. Regular consumption of asparagus has a considerable effect on keeping the blood sugar levels under control as well as the body's production of insulin [19] .

19. Apple

There is no denying that fruits like apples, blueberries and grapes are healthy and an essential part of the diet for everyone. These fruits are linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes if consumed frequently. People who eat apples every day can lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by 27 per cent than those who don't eat apples [15] .

20. Barley

It has soluble fibre and prevents diabetes by rapidly improving people's health. Not many people are aware that barley is excellent in steadying your blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol by 6 per cent. Barley is rich in soluble fibre called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan lowers the LDL cholesterol and manages to stall your body's ability to absorb it [11] .

Diabetes

21. Oats

A simple home remedy for sugar control is to start your day with oats. Oats contain a high percentage of fibre, B vitamins (especially B1), vitamin E and antioxidants. A large amount of fibre in oats causes slower absorption of glucose and help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it one of the best foods for diabetes [18] .

22. Dark chocolate

Researchers found that dark chocolate improves cell sensitivity to insulin and significantly improves the chances of avoiding diabetes. In addition, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. It also helps strengthen your blood vessels [20] .

23. Green tea

Having green tea is an effective way to control diabetes [21] . Green tea contains the antioxidant EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), which helps to maintain the flexibility of blood vessels and stabilizing blood glucose levels. A recent study found that this element reduces blood sugar levels and prevents its sharp rise after a meal consisting mainly of carbohydrates.

24. Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish is good for diabetics as they help to reduce the insulin resistance in the body [22] .

Diabetes

Apart from the above-mentioned varieties of food, tomatoes, carrots, multi-grain bread, citrus fruits, beef, peanut butter, avocado, guava, Indian dal, bottle gourd, okra, bitter gourd, gram flour, and pumpkin seeds are also beneficial for managing diabetes.

Sample Indian Meal Plan For Diabetes

Sunday

Breakfast: Baked vegetable cutlet or 1 egg with 1-2 whole wheat toast with grilled vegetables and a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk [23] .

Lunch: 1-2 cups of brown rice, vegetables, salad and 1 bowl of chana or chicken or whole wheat pasta with vegetables and salad.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with mixed vegetables and salad along with 1 bowl of dal.

You can have fruits or roasted chana as snacks.

Diabetes

<strong>Also read: 15 Healthy Snacks For Diabetics </strong>Also read: 15 Healthy Snacks For Diabetics

Monday

Breakfast: Vegetable stuffed chapati or 1 egg with 1-2 whole wheat toast with grilled vegetables and a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 1-2 barley chapatis with vegetables, 1 bowl of dal and curd.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with vegetables and salad along with 1 bowl of dal or curd.

Tuesday

Breakfast: Vegetable oats or 2- egg whites or 2- egg whites with 1-2 whole wheat toast with grilled vegetables along with a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 2 dal chapatis and vegetable salad and curd.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with mixed vegetables and salad along with 1 bowl of fish or dal.

Wednesday

Breakfast: Milk with oats or 2 egg whites with 1-2 whole wheat toast with grilled vegetables along with a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 1-2 chapatis with vegetable salad and low-fat paneer or chicken.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with vegetable and salad along with 1 bowl of fish or dal.

Thursday

Breakfast: Idli, poha or upma with vegetables along with a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 1-2 chapatis with vegetable salad and low-fat paneer or curd.

Dinner: 1-2 besan cheela (chilla) or oats with vegetables and salad along with 1 bowl of fish or dal.

Diabetes

Friday

Breakfast: Whole wheat sandwich or chicken sandwich along with a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 1-2 chapatis with mixed vegetables, salad and low-fat paneer or 1 bowl of curd.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with mixed vegetables and salad along with 1 bowl of fish or dal.

Saturday

Breakfast: Moong dal cheela (chilla) with vegetables or stuffed multi-grain chapati with a cup of tea or coffee or low-fat milk.

Lunch: 1-2 chapatis, vegetables, salad and 1 bowl of sprout or 2 egg white curry.

Dinner: 1-2 chapatis with vegetables and salad along with curd or dal.

View Article References
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