Diabetes Food Cure

According to a 2007 study by National Clearinghouse of Diabetes, 7.8 percent of the population in the United States has diabetes and 5 million people have yet to be diagnosed. Diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to produce or properly use the pancreatic hormone insulin. This disease causes blood sugar fluctuations that lead to a host of hypoglycemic reactions. Specific high-fiber and low-carbohydrate foods and proteins can aid your weight loss and regulate blood sugar levels. By eating nutritious meals and watching your weight, you can reverse type 2 diabetes and lead a healthier life.

Carbohydates

• Carbohydrates are broken down to make glucose for the brain. They can also provide the body with adequate fuel. However, not all carbohydrates are the same. Carbohydrates that are rich in fiber are slowly absorbed in the bloodstream. This slow rate of digestion prevents blood sugar from spiking and crashing, which leads to reactive hypoglycemia. Incorporate into your diet whole grains like oatmeal, oat bran, legumes, brown rice, wheat pasta, pumpernickel bread and wheat cous cous. Pair a food that will be quickly absorbed like potatoes with a fibrous food to aid blood sugar fluctuations.

Protein

• Protein contains no carbohydrates; however, a balanced diet is not one that is high in protein. Vegetable protein is a better source of protein, because it does not have any fat. For example, a 6-oz. steak offers around 38 grams of protein and 44 grams of fat. Sixteen grams of the fat is saturated, which is over half of the amount of saturated fat you should get in a day. Legumes, peas and nuts are better alternatives. Tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy cheese can replace other fatty foods and provide the daily amount of protein. Find out from your doctor how many grams of protein and carbohydrates is best for your diabetes management.

Fats

• Many diabetics have high cholesterol, obesity and heart disease. Diets full of processed foods, refined flour, sugary treats and sodium-rich meals also contain elevated levels of saturated and trans-fatty acids. Bad cholesterol is deposited into the arteries and cause plaque build up. Eat a diet of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Oils such as soybean, canola, sunflower, sesame, olive, safflower and peanut contain good cholesterol. Nuts, fatty fish and margarine fortified with plant stenol are heart healthy alternatives. Limit oils in your diet, because they contain more than double the amount of calories than in protein. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 119 calories.