Foods To Enjoy -- and Avoid
A healthy diet should emphasize carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and legumes; fiber-rich foods that contain whole-wheat flour and bran; heart-healthy fish like cod, tuna and halibut (baked or broiled, not fried); and good fats such as almonds, walnuts, olive oil and avocados.
Conversely, those concerned about diabetes should strive to avoid saturated fats like hot dogs, sausage and bacon; trans fats like processed snacks, baked goods and stick margarines; high-cholesterol foods like egg yolks, shellfish and organ meats; and excessive sodium, which is typically found in a lot of processed foods and should be restricted to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
Carbohydrates, which break down into glucose, have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels. The time of day you consume them and the amount you take in are critical factors in regulating blood glucose levels, particularly if you are already on insulin.
10 Great Foods
While those general guidelines should be followed, here are some specific foods that may help you put together an optimal diet that will help you in the battle with diabetes. Keep in mind that portion control is an important factor in the consumption of any food, and excessive caloric intake of anything isn’t a great choice.