Diabetes is a chronic disease closely related to our lives. According to investigations from relevant departments, the main reason most people suffer from diabetes is due to unreasonable and unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of understanding of some health maintenance principles. Diabetes has an extremely important causal relationship with our daily diet. Therefore, most patients, especially after being diagnosed, pay particular attention to “how to eat and what to eat that can lower blood sugar while being nutritious.” Hence, certain principles should be noted during daily eating.
The golden dietary rules for diabetes:
1. Timed and quantified meals:
Due to their condition, diabetes patients often feel hungry. If they eat blindly, it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, leading to elevated levels. Therefore, scientifically and reasonably arranging meal times is essential to control blood sugar and maintain stable health.
2. The principle of eating smaller, more frequent meals: Because diabetes patients have a limited selection of foods and can easily feel hungry, their food intake should be divided into several meals. For example, meals can be spaced every 3 to 4 hours during the day and once 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. This can avoid hunger while effectively controlling blood sugar.
3. The principle of dietary variety:
Breakfast is crucial for everyone, especially for diabetes patients. The caloric intake for breakfast should account for 20% to 35% of the day’s total dietary intake, with a balanced nutrition. Staple foods can include milk, soybean milk, and whole wheat bread, which help stabilize blood sugar while providing calcium and protein. Oatmeal contains more dietary fiber than traditional rice porridge and is more suitable for diabetes patients.
A good lunch can supply you with energy for the day and keep you energized. In terms of lunch choices, lean meats, shrimp, eggs, and so on can be consumed for a satisfying feeling while avoiding excessive caloric intake to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Dinner must be light! Generally, it is most suitable to eat meals four hours before bedtime. Foods high in fat and protein should be consumed in moderation, while more celery and mushrooms can be eaten to help the body expel food residues.
The “three prohibitions” of dietary taboos:
Avoid alcohol: Because alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, drinking on an empty stomach can lead to hypoglycemia.
Avoid spicy foods: Diabetes patients tend to have Yin deficiency and heat in the body; spicy foods can damage bodily fluids and exacerbate dryness, which is not beneficial for the patient’s condition.
Avoid animal organ meats: Organ meats are high in cholesterol and can lead to elevated blood lipids and atherosclerosis, resulting in diabetes complications.
Diabetes patients’ diets must be controlled from multiple aspects. Only by putting effort into daily dietary habits can blood sugar be well controlled. However, many patients feel that strictly focusing on blood sugar control results in a very limited range of foods they can eat. In fact, there are still many vegetables and fruits that diabetes patients can consume.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are great helpers in controlling blood sugar:
Asparagus Lettuce—A powerful tool for lowering blood sugar
Asparagus lettuce contains a rich amount of niacin, which can activate insulin secretion. Long-term consumption can help diabetes patients control blood sugar while also promoting urination and lowering blood pressure.
Eggplant—Reduces cholesterol
Eggplant is rich in vitamins and minerals, aiding in bowel movement and helping reduce cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of eggplant can prevent and treat retinal hemorrhage caused by diabetes.
Cauliflower—Improves blood sugar and blood lipids
Cauliflower is rich in flavonoids
