Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder when the pancreas does not secrete an adequate quantity of insulin. Hence, blood sugar levels remain above the standard range. Patients suffering from diabetes often find it challenging to choose a correct diet plan that ensures they consume healthy and nutritious low-carb food. This is why we have compiled this list of the best diets for diabetics. Following any one of these diets will help keep your sugar and other related conditions such as hypertension and cholesterol in check.
DASH Diet
Dietitians initially introduced the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) plan to help maintain blood pressure within the optimal range. And this approach has proved quite beneficial even for diabetics. Additionally, you can shed excess weight by following the DASH plan. Nutritionists encourage people to reduce their portion sizes and consume potassium, calcium, and magnesium-rich foods such as collards, kale, spinach, and beans. People following the DASH diet should include lean protein such as fish and poultry, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains in the meals. Therefore, the DASH diet is one of the best diets for diabetics.
Low-carb Diet
Carbohydrate-rich foods tend to break down into glucose, fructose, or galactose, which ultimately increases blood sugar levels. Hence, it is better to include low-carb food items into your diet to optimize the glucose level in circulation. Include a generous dose of whole grains, fish, eggs, lean meat, leafy green vegetables, cauliflower, nuts, and seeds in your regular meals to stay fit and manage diabetes effectively.
Mediterranean Diet
It is also one of the best diets for diabetics as it lowers blood sugar and helps to reduce body weight. The foods consumed as a part of this diet are prevalent among the traditional recipes of the Mediterranean region and hence this diet derived its name from the location. The foods in this category are rich in fatty acids and oleic acids. They occur naturally in animal fats and vegetable oils. You can find fatty acids and oleic acids in foods such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, artichokes, cucumbers, beans, almonds, and olive oil.
Paleo Diet
Dietitians also encourage patients to follow the Paleolithic, or Paleo, diet to manage their metabolic disorders. The creator of this diet plan believed that modern agricultural practices are the major cause of the prevalence of diabetes, kidney ailments, and hypertension. Studies have established that the paleo diet can improve glycemic control among type-2 diabetic patients. The proponents of paleo meals recommend the consumption of poultry, fish, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil regularly.
Gluten-free Diet
Nowadays, gluten-free diets are trending in most eateries. They are incredibly beneficial for people with celiac disease and diabetes. Many people with diabetes are gluten intolerant and develop inflammation in the body. Avoid wheat, rye, and barley food products to limit your gluten intake.
Now that you know the best diets for diabetics, you can choose to follow the one that you prefer to help you manage your blood sugar levels.
