Diabetes is a common chronic disease, with the core issue being insufficient insulin secretion or a weakened response of the body to insulin, which leads to a sustained state of elevated blood sugar.
Based on the differences in etiology and pathological mechanisms, diabetes is currently divided into four main types: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other specific types of diabetes.
Patients with high blood sugar should be particularly cautious, as the initial stages may only cause mild discomfort, but over time it can act like an invisible blade, silently eroding key tissues such as blood vessels and nerves, potentially leading to a series of serious complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, retinal diseases, and neuropathy.
Given the potential hazards of high blood sugar, maintaining blood sugar levels within a stable and healthy range has become a core task in diabetes management. In this process, while medication is crucial, deep adjustments in lifestyle are also of utmost importance. Particularly, dietary control and increased physical activity are unanimously regarded by authoritative guidelines at home and abroad as essential and integral throughout the management process.
So, what foods are best for diabetes? Below is a more comprehensive and scientific dietary guidance plan:
1. Basic Dietary Principles:
A diet low in sugar, salt, and fat is fundamental to diabetes management. Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals at regular intervals can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
2. Quality Staple Food Choices:
It is recommended to consume various low glycemic index grains, such as black rice, corn, buckwheat, and oats. These foods are rich in dietary fiber, which helps control blood sugar. Adequate intake of whole grains and coarse grains while reducing the proportion of refined rice and flour is advised.
3. Rich Fruit and Vegetable Intake:
Examples include cucumber, celery, onion, bitter melon, tomato, apple, kiwi, etc. These foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which help lower blood sugar. Choose low-sugar, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and control the daily intake amount.
4. Quality Protein Sources:
Recommended sources of high-quality protein include lean meats (such as lean pork, lean beef, chicken), fish, and soy products (such as tofu, soy milk). Care should be taken to control fat intake, especially saturated and trans fats.
5. Special Efficacy Foods:
For instance, seaweed, bitter melon, onion, spinach, and black fungus contain certain components that help lower blood sugar. Although these foods are beneficial, they should not be consumed in excess; intake should be based on individual circumstances.
6. Beverage and Snack Suggestions:
It is recommended to drink sugar-free or low-sugar beverages, such as skim milk, unsweetened yogurt, and green tea. Snack choices can include nuts and low-sugar dried fruits, but daily intake should be controlled. Avoid high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods such as candies, desserts, and fried foods.
It is also important to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust the dietary plan based on changes in blood sugar. Dietary control and medication should go hand in hand, and medications should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
However, the use of food additives in commercially available foods is becoming more common, leading to frequent unintentional consumption of various additives. Even some products labeled as “healthy” or “sugar-free,” as well as commonly consumed fruits, may contain artificial sweeteners.
If it is unavoidable to consume high-sugar and high-fat foods in daily life, we can also use tea to help alleviate the rise in blood sugar.
So, what kind of tea can effectively help relieve the rise in blood sugar?
