8 Healthy Eating Tips To Control Your Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which involves the pancreas and its ability to produce the hormone insulin leading to high blood sugar levels in the body. The hormone insulin is essential for glucose metabolism and the production of energy. In diabetes, the body cannot make enough insulin or it cannot be used effectively by cells. When this condition is left untreated the high sugar levels can damage the nerves, kidneys, and eyes, etc.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes: It is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system of the body attacks and destroys its own cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes: This happens when the body becomes resistant to the hormone insulin.

Pre-diabetes: It is a condition where the blood sugar is higher than normal. It is a borderline condition.

Gestational diabetes: It is a condition where blood sugar levels increase during pregnancy.

Symptoms

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Haziness of vision
• Fatigue
• Skin infections and sores which are slow to heal

Risk factors

• Obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Older age
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medical conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc
• Complications
• Heart diseases
• Stroke
• Kidney diseases
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, vision problems, etc
• Loss of hearing
• Skin diseases such as ulcers and sores do not heal easily
• Fungal and bacterial infections
• Foot ulcers
• Dementia

Also Read Diabetic Gastroparesis: Symptoms, Complication, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Prevention

Simple lifestyle adjustments with regular diet and exercise can be very effective in managing diabetes.

• Intake of a diet rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables,
• Intake of proteins especially lean proteins, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, etc.
• Reduce the intake of foods with empty calories such as energy drinks, preserved foods, carbonated drinks, fried foods, and high-sugar foods, etc.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and too much caffeine.
• Any regular physical activity such as walking, aerobics, riding a bike, or swimming, at least for 30 minutes daily.
• Regular health check-ups if a person has a family history of diabetes.

Healthy eating tips to control diabetes

A healthy diet and regular physical activity are the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle when diagnosed with diabetes. Following a regular and healthy eating plan can help to keep the blood sugar, in the desired range. Balancing the number of carbohydrates, proteins and, fats in the right way and keeping in mind the ways to eat such as, what to eat, when to eat, its amount, along with some physical activities can help to control diabetes effectively.

1. right amount of food

Eat the right amount Intake of the right amount of food will help to manage the body weight and blood sugar level. To keep the blood sugar levels in check it is necessary to eat the same amount instead of overeating or fasting.

2. Plate method

This is one of the most preferred methods recommended by dieticians to help organize and control the portion sizes of daily meals. The plate method will help to choose the number of carbohydrates, proteins and, fats to be taken. In a dining plate, non-starchy vegetables contribute to half the plate, lean proteins to one-fourth of the plate and some grains or a starchy vegetable on the other quarter.

3. Carbohydrate counting

The other method called carbohydrate counting involves tracking the amount of carbohydrate intake for a day. For this method, the amount of carbohydrates is measured and estimated through the number of grams of carbohydrates in the food taken daily. It can be done by limiting the carbohydrates with added sugars and taking healthy carbohydrates, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, toned milk, etc as a part of the meal plan.

4. Drink water

It is important to stay well hydrated. Drink a glass of water before meals as it will reduce the amount of food taken and make you feel full. Instead of energy drinks, it is best to take a drink of water or green tea or lemonade from sparkling water.

5. Reduce your cravings for sweets

Try to reduce the sugar in the diet gradually. If you eat some sweets or sweetened food, cut off the heavy carbohydrates in the meal.

Also Read Fight Diabetes With These 5 Natural Remedies!

6. Take healthy fats

The fat helps to slow down digestion and absorption. This delays the spike in sugar levels quickly. Take healthy fats such as peanut butter, cheese, yoghurt and, nuts, etc.

7. Keep a food diary

It is very useful to know what to eat and when to eat and make a healthy plan accordingly to keep the body weight in check and to reduce the risk of high sugar levels. It is not necessary to count each calorie that is taken but just keep a record and plan a regular and healthy eating schedule.

8. Eat at regular time

It is very important to keep a regular and consistent mealtime to regulate the blood sugar level.

9. Eat a regular small meal

Instead of eating three big meals, it can be taken as divided meals up to 6 times a day. Take small meals instead of taking large meals.

Homeopathic remedies for Diabetes

• Abroma Augusta: It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for diabetes with weak muscles along with other common symptoms of diabetes.
• Cephalandra Indica: This is the best homeopathic remedy for diabetes with dryness of mouth and excessive thirst.
• Phaseolus: It is indicated for diabetes with heart disease.
• Phosphorus: This is indicated for diabetes with weak vision.
• Syzygium Jambolanum: This is the best homeopathic remedy for diabetes to bring down the sugar level.
• Phosphoric Acid: It is indicated for diabetes with weakness and exhaustion weak memory, and numbness of feet.
• Gymnema Sylvestre: This is one of the best homeopathic medicines for diabetes with extreme weakness and sudden loss of weight.
• Lachesis, Arnica, Belladonna and, Phosphorus are used to treat diabetic retinopathy.
• Serum Anguillae, Arsenic Album and Lycopodium are used to treat diabetic nephropathy.
• Helonias, Sulphur and, Phosphoric acid are useful to treat diabetic neuropathies.
• Syzygium Jambolanum and Secale Cornutum are useful to treat sores and ulcers in diabetics.
• Natrum Sulph and Lac Defloratum are very useful for constipation in diabetics.
• Phosphoric acid, Nux Vomica and Kali Phosphoricum are the best remedies for loss of or weak memory in diabetics.
• Carbo Veg, Phosphoric acid, Phosphorus and Arsenic Album are indicated for extreme fatigue

Some of the best homeopathic products available for treating the symptoms of diabetes are Schwabe India’s Biocombination No. 07, Alpha-Liv, Ginseng 1X, Syzygium jambolanum 1X, Stress Free Life, etc.