According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million Americans are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. Your diet is one key aspect of managing—and preventing in some cases—this condition.
During National Nutrition Month this March, our team at AFC Urgent Care Levittown wants you to understand the important role that healthy eating plays when it comes to diabetes. Read on as we take a look.
Why Is Healthy Eating Important for People Living With Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which your body either doesn't produce insulin or doesn't use it effectively. This leads to high levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar. While those with type 1 diabetes typically have a genetic tie to the condition, type 2 diabetes is often tied with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, including a poor diet that's high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to properly manage your condition and even reverse it in some cases by practicing healthy habits, including making good food choices.Healthy Foods for Those With Diabetes
- Fatty fish
- Leafy greens
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Chia seeds
- Turmeric
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts
How Do You Know the “Good” Foods From the “Bad” Foods?
There is really no such thing. Even if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there's truly no food that's totally off-limits. Moderation and portion control are the key to a healthy diet, along with choosing healthy foods more often than not. But reset your mindset—there are no “bad” foods. There are simply foods that you should choose less often for optimal health and management of diabetes. Limit your intake of saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.Other Ways to Manage Diabetes
- Take medications, as prescribed.
- Check your feet for wounds on a daily basis.
- Practice good oral health habits.
- Don't smoke.
- Keep track of blood sugar levels.
