by Norma Chew

Created on: January 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 29, 2009

In order to appreciate how important it is to make the best food choices if you are a diabetic, it will help to understand that if you have Type 2 diabetes a major problem is that you are insulin resistant. This means sugar cannot enter your body cells such as your muscles to provide the energy you need. When you eat, the sugar in your blood builds up to an abnormally high level, this is called hyperglycemia.

On going high blood sugar levels causes heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, neurapathy, loss of limbs and vision problems. Following your doctor's advice, monitoring your blood sugar levels, exercising and choosing the best foods for a diabetic are the keys to avoiding complications and living a long, happy and healthy life.

The Best Food Choices for a Diabetic
The recommended diet for a diabetic is a low fat-high-fiber diet. This diet will lower your blood sugar levels and reduce the levels of fat in your blood. Your diet should include fresh fruits, raw and cooked vegetables, legumes, whole grains and proteins. In addition, the following food choices will help in keeping your blood sugar levels within normal ranges.

Brewers Yeast

Brewers yeast, is rich in amino acids, minerals, trace elements and vitamins. In addition it is rich in chromium and zinc. Chromium is vital for the metabolism of glucose, it is called the glucose tolerance factor or (GTF) which is needed for energy. It is also a synthesis for cholesterol, fats and proteins. Best of all it maintains and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Chromium can also be derived from cheese, meats, chicken, eggs, mushroom and dried beans. The zinc in brewers yeast is essential to diabetics because, research shows that a deficiency in zinc can result in the development of diabetes. Zinc can also be obtained from eating legumes, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, sardines and sea foods.

Garlic

Garlic is not only known as mother nature's antibiotic, it is also rich in nutrients such as, vitamins A, B, C and D. In addition it helps to stimulate the liver and kidneys, lowers blood pressure and prevents heart attacks. These are the diseases that are the complications of diabetes.

Legumes

Legumes such as kidney, white, navy, lima and northern beans when combined together and taken as a tea or soup is excellent for detoxifying the pancreas. The pancreas is the organ that is responsible for supplying your insulin. Therefore legumes are an excellent addition to your diet to aid in detoxifying your pancreas.

Berries

Blue berries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries all have the powerful phytochemicals that fight off diseases and can prevent and even reverse diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These berries are excellent additions to a diabetic diet.

Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon According to research studies, these three products are touted as highly effective in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Proteins

Proteins are an essential part of a diabetic diet. Proteins help in stabilizing your blood sugar levels. The best sources are fish and low fat dairy products, cheese, eggs, soybeans and nuts.

If you have diabetes it is important to be under the care and advice of your physician, you may want to ask him/her for a consultation with a dietitian to assist you in the proper portions of these foods to add to your diet. The proper diet, exercise, weight control, adequate sleep, reduced stress and blood sugar monitoring will prevent complications and allow you to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.

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