People who have diabetes may find it beneficial to include fruits in their diet because fruits are a good source of essential vitamins & minerals, fibre & antioxidants. However because fruits do contain naturally occurr sugars people who have diabetes need to pay careful attention to the overall amount of carbohydrates that they take on a daily basis. The following is a list of some fruits that are considered to be healthy options for individuals who have diabetes:
- Berries: Many types of berries include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries contain relatively little sugar and a high amount of fibre. In addition to this they contain antioxidants which have been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity & protect against heart disease.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are low in sugar & high in fibre & vitamin C. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes & grapefruits are also high in fibre. They contain flavonoids which have been shown to help lower levels of sugar in the blood.
- Apples: Apples are an excellent source of fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C. Apples are also a delicious fruit. They also have a low glycemic index which indicates that they do not cause a sharp increase in the amount of sugar that is found in the blood.
- Pears: Pears have a low glycemic index and are a good source of fibre and antioxidants. Additionally their glycemic load is relatively low.
- Stone fruits: Stone fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines & apricots contain a relatively low amount of sugar and a relatively high amount of fibre in addition to high levels of vitamins A &C.
- Avocados: It has been discovered that eating avocados can improve insulin sensitivity. Avocados are a good source of fibre as well as healthy fats.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent source of fibre as well as antioxidants and research has shown that they have a positive impact on the levels of glucose in the blood.
- Guava: Guava is a fruit that has a low glycemic index & glycemic load in addition to being a good source of fibre, vitamin C & antioxidants.
People who have diabetes should always speak with a register doctor before making any changes to their diet and they should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to ensure that they are consume the right quantity of carbohydrates. It is important to note that people with diabetes should consult with a registered dietitian or a doctor before making any changes to their diet.
Several other steps
People who have diabetes can better manage their condition and lower their risk of complications by taking a number of additional steps in addition to maintain a healthy diet. These steps include the following:
- Exercise regularly: Make regular physical activity a part of your routine. Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of heart disease improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
- Keep track of your blood sugar levels: Keeping track of your blood sugar levels on a regular basis can assist people with diabetes in recognise patterns and enable them to adjust their diet level of physical activity and medication as required.
- Take your medication as directed: In order to help keep their blood sugar levels under control, people who have diabetes may be required to take medication such as insulin or oral medications. It is essential to take these medications exactly as directed by a medical professional and maintain close communication with that professional in order to adjust the dosage as require.
- Quit smoking: If you have diabetes you should try to kick the habit of smoking. Diabetes patients who smoke have a higher chance to develop heart disease, nerve damage and other complications.
- Manage stress: Find healthy ways to deal with stress because stress can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, it is essential for people who have diabetes to find healthy ways to deal with stress, such as through yoga, meditation or therapy.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep: Get an adequate amount of sleep is essential for maintain overall health and can assist in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
- Have regular checkups: Having regular checkups with a healthcare provider can help identify and manage any complications related to diabetes such as eye disease, kidney disease or nerve damage. Checkups should be performed at least once every three months.
- Care for the Feet: Since diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation it is essential for people who have diabetes to take care of their feet and check them on a regular basis for any signs of injury or infection.
It is important to note that people who have diabetes should always speak with a registered doctor before making any changes to their diet exercise routine or medications. They should also monitor their blood sugar levels on a consistent basis to ensure that they take the appropriate measures to manage their diabetes and lower the risk of developing complications.
About diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term medical condition in which the body is unable to control the amount of sugar (glucose) that is present in the blood in an appropriate manner. Diabetes can be divided into two primary categories: type 1 and type 2.
Diabetes type 1 also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder in which the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin are targeted by the immune system of the body and subsequently destroyed. People who have type 1 diabetes are forced to inject themselves with insulin in order to maintain control of their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes type 2 also known as adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of the disease and is characterised by the body’s inability to use insulin correctly. Insulin resistance is the term for this condition. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may continue to produce insulin; however, the body will be unable to make proper use of this hormone.
Diabetes can cause a variety of symptoms including increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and bruises and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels.
If diabetes is not treated it can result in a number of serious complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness.
Modifications to one’s lifestyle such as adopting a healthier diet and engaging in regular physical activity, in conjunction with the use of medication are the standard approach taken to treat diabetes. Injections of insulin and oral medications are common treatment options for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who are looking for assistance in manage their blood sugar levels.
