by David Cowley

Created on: March 17, 2010

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that makes the body unable to convert starches, sugars and other foods into energy. Most foods we eat are converted into glucose during digestion, and then the bloodstream carries glucose through the body. Insulin then turns this glucose into energy, or it is stored in the cells for further use. In diabetic people, the body either does not make insulin, or is not able to use it correctly, resulting in too much glucose in the bloodstream.

Some of the common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are frequent urination, extreme hunger and thirst, unexplained weight loss, bruises and sores that heal slowly, numbness or tingling sensation in feet and hands and unusual drowsiness or tiredness.

Excellent Diabetes Foods

To control diabetes, there are certain foods that must be consumed, and few food items that must be avoided. Salt is one of the biggest culprits for diabetic people, hence people must try to reduce their intake of inorganic salt. Table sugar is just empty calories and carbohydrates, and body requires calcium to digest sucrose. Try to substitute sucrose with natural sugar such as jaggery and honey.

Bitter gourd is one of the best diabetes foods as it contains a good dose of plant insulin that helps lower the level of blood sugar effectively. You can have the juice of few bitter gourds early in the morning when the stomach is empty, and bitter gourd can also be consumed regularly as a vegetable. Fenugreek is yet another wonderful diabetes food and is commonly used to control diabetes. You can gulp down with seeds with a glass of water. You can soak the fenugreek seeds overnight and drink that water in the morning. Fenugreek can also be eaten as dried, powdered or sprouted. The seeds can be mixed with the flour.

Indian blackberry is also an effective diabetes food, and it is very effective in controlling and preventing diabetes. The stone of the fruit contains glucoside which does not let starch get converted into sugars. You can powder this stone and eat it. Garlic is an excellent diabetes food, and effectively controls the levels of blood sugar. It is a rich source of potassium, and replaces the potassium lost through urine. Garlic also contains sulphur and zinc which are components of insulin. You can consume 3-4 flakes of freshly crushed garlic each day.

Onion has digestive and diuretic properties, and works well against diabetes. Eating raw onions is more helpful. Flaxseed is one of the best sources of Omega

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