One of the most common and critical health conditions, diabetes can be hard to manage. Diet, physical activity, medication and lifestyle habits, all of them play a crucial role in maintaining a patient’s blood sugar levels. Since the condition can further give rise to other complications like heart diseases and eye disorders, it is quite essential to manage it well. Below are the top foods recommended for people diagnosed with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.

1. Fatty Fish

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, fatty fish like mackerel, anchovies, herring, salmon and sardines are often recommended to people with diabetes. Their regular consumption may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Eggs

One of the healthiest foods, eggs are beneficial for diabetic people as well. They are known to improve insulin sensitivity, modify the size and shape of LDL (bad) cholesterol, boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Having eggs in breakfast may help maintain a person’s blood sugar levels throughout the day. Also, studies show that the regular consumption of whole eggs (yolk + white) may reduce the risk of certain eye conditions, stroke and heart diseases.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Recommended for many health concerns, leafy greens help manage diabetes as well. Due to their high nutritional value and low-calorie content, vegetables like kale and spinach have been considered as one of the healthiest foods. The antioxidants and high vitamin C content present in them can help reduce inflammation and cellular damage. This aids one’s eye and heart health, thus, preventing common diabetes complications.

4. Avocados

Here is another reason to include avocados to your regular diet. Their high fibre content, healthy fats and low carbohydrate content make them an ideal snack for people with diabetes as they do not raise one’s blood sugar levels upon consumption.

5. Chia Seeds

Considered as one of the ‘superfoods’ by health-conscious people around the world, chia seeds can help maintain blood glucose levels, thus, benefiting people with diabetes. They are low in digestible carbs and high in fibre and may help in glycemic management in diabetic patients.

6. Nuts

Nuts are one of the best substitutes for unhealthy, processed snacks as they are low in net carbs and contain high amounts of fibre and other nutrients. Research shows that regular consumption of a variety of nuts may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and inflammation. Thus, nuts are highly recommended to individuals with diabetes to improve and maintain their heart health.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

The benefits of apple cider vinegar have been well-known but what you may not know is that it may help improve fasting blood sugar levels as well. It can be consumed daily by adding a teaspoon in a glass of water.

Conclusion

Diabetes has no proven cure yet. What one can do is manage it to prevent further complications. Thus, incorporate the above-mentioned foods in your diet, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications on time for better health. You may consult expert dieticians at HJ Hospitals to get a custom diet plan based on your other body requirements and overall health status. HJ Hospitals provides a wide scope of health care services ranging from dental care, cosmetic care, emergency care, general and laparoscopy care to mother and child care, among others.