Foods to help Control Sugar for those with Diabetes

Diabetics need to always be diligent about controlling their sugar level in their blood stream. They monitor how much sugar is present by drawing a tiny blood sample and using a machine that monitors what the blood glucose level is at the time of the draw. Certain foods that we eat contain sugar or turn into sugar during the digestion process and when the diabetic carefully plans what they eat, they can make a difference in the blood glucose results they see on the monitor screen.

Foods that diabetics should avoid are those that are processed and those we label as "junk foods". Junk foods are empty of nutrient value and usually high in sugar, sodium or both. Avoid the obvious sweets like candy, cookies and ice cream. Other foods to avoid that may pose a problem for the diabetic are: fruit sugar, chocolates, soft drinks, and items made with white flour. Any food that contains harmful preservatives and have high sodium content should also be avoided. A lot of canned items are high in sodium. You can confirm by looking at the food label for what is contained in the food item.

Raw vegetables are preferred as when you cook food, the level of blood sugar can rise fast. Cooking also can destroy some vitamins, minerals and enzymes contained in the food. Fruits and veggies that are healthy for diabetics to eat are: grapes, kiwi fruit, pomegranate juice, onions, garlic, radishes, cucumber, carrot, tomatoes, cabbage, and unripe bananas, blackberries, figs and citrus fruits.

Food substitutes that will help you manage your diabetes:

Instead of eating fried chicken, eat broiled or grilled chicken.

If you must drink wine, drink it at the same time you eat a meal.

Snacking can sometimes be a difficult time for food choices for diabetics. Some simple suggestions are: cut up a cup of your favorite citrus fruits, have air popped popcorn with no salt or limited amount of salt.

Other good food choices are:

Eat non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans, and spinach. It is always best to choose whole grain products rather than processed grain products. Try brown rice next time instead of white rice, and whole-wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti. Beans are healthy especially kidney, lentils and pinto beans.

Fish is a wise choice 2 to 3 times a week. When choosing meats, look for the word "loin" in cuts of meat like your beef and pork.

Like most diseases, diabetes can be managed quite well with diet, exercise, proper rest and regular visits with your healthcare provider. A nutritionist can give you more information regarding the best foods for helping you to manage your blood sugar levels. What you eat does have a big impact on how your body uses the food. Consuming the foods that your body needs to stay healthy and making choices that can have a positive impact on the level of your blood glucose will make your life easier and you will feel like you have more control over what is happening in your life. Food, it does a body good.