Diet is one of the key factors in diabetes management, and a reasonable diet not only contributes to blood sugar control but also improves overall health. It is important for people with diabetes to know how to eat in science. The following are some of the dietary principles and recommendations that help people with diabetes to better control blood sugar.
Diabetes patients shall ensure a balanced diet, including a reasonable mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Selection of healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains (crush rice, oats, whole wheat bread, etc.), beans, vegetables and low sugar fruit (e.g. apples, pears, oranges, etc.). Combining carbohydrates with high-quality proteins (e.g., skinny meat, tofu, fish and low-fat dairy products) and healthy fats (e.g., nuts, olive oil and butter) to slowly release blood sugar.
2. Control of carbohydrate intake. Although carbohydrates are a major source of energy for the body, diabetes patients need to pay more attention to their intake. It is proposed to use the “Carbohydrates Count” method to understand the content of carbohydrates in food and to help control post-dinner blood sugar. As a general rule, the amount of staple foods should be moderate and it is generally recommended that approximately 50-75 grams of carbohydrates per meal be adjusted to take account of the individual ‘ s physical condition, level of activity and medical advice.
3. Increased dietary fibres can help to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Diabetes patients should take more fibre-rich foods, such as whole grains, green leaf vegetables, beans and fruit. The daily intake of dietary fibres should be over 25 grams. Food fibre intake can be increased by eating more raw vegetables, oatmeal, soybean soup, etc.
4. Controlling the timing of diet The regular diet facilitates blood sugar control. Diabetes patients are recommended to develop a regular, quantitative diet to minimize free feeding and snacks to reduce blood sugar volatility. The option of three meals a day with two or three healthy snacks could be used to avoid high levels of consumption caused by low blood sugar and excessive hunger.
5. Control of sugar and salt intake At the same time, reducing salt intake is equally important for controlling blood pressure, and low salt diets also contribute to cardiovascular health.
6. Adequate water intake is essential for blood sugar control. Diabetes patients should avoid sugar-containing beverages by pre-empting them with water or without sugar. Maintaining sufficient water intake also helps to metabolize the body and remove excess glucose.
7. Periodic monitoring of blood sugar The dietary adjustment is only one aspect, and patients with diabetes need to cooperate with regular monitoring of blood sugar to understand the specific effects of diet on blood sugar. By recording the relationship between diet and blood sugar, the diet can be adjusted in a timely manner to keep it within reasonable limits.
8. Seek professional guidance. Finally, diabetes patients should work closely with doctors or registered nutritionists to develop individualized diets. Professional advice helps patients to meet their nutritional needs while controlling blood sugar.
Good eating habits are the cornerstone of diabetes management and patients should be able to eat scientifically in accordance with the above principles. Through proper dietary arrangements, not only can blood sugar be better controlled, but it can also improve the quality of life and body immunity. The combination of healthy diet and lifestyle can help people with diabetes to lead healthy and productive lives.
