Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a challenging journey at first, but with time, managing your insulin levels becomes a manageable adjustment. This involves medical supervision, insulin monitors, medication, and a specific diet consisting of wholesome, low-carbohydrate, and low-sugar foods.
The Whole Food Plant-Based Diet (WFPB) 🌾🥦
Under the guidance of your physician, the most favorable source of nutrition for diabetics is a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet (WFPB). This diet includes:
🌾 Whole grains 🌱 Legumes 🥦 Vegetables 🍎 Fruits 🚫 Avoiding processed foods and animal products
In a combined study on the impact of a WFPB diet for obesity, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes conducted by researchers from New Zealand and published in Nutrition and Diabetes (3/20/17), it was concluded that:
"This program led to significant improvements in BMI (body mass index), cholesterol, and other risk factors. To the best of our knowledge, this research has achieved greater weight loss at 6 and 12 months than any other trial that does not limit energy intake or mandate regular exercise."
Overall, a WFPB diet scores high on optimal nutrition for diabetics, offering a delicious array of plant-based options.
Nuts and Seeds: Small but Mighty 🥜💪
While it might sound like squirrel food, nuts and seeds are power-packed snacks that can help you manage or even potentially avoid diabetes.
The University of Florida Diabetes Institute references a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that:
"...eating nuts and peanuts may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Reduced risk was greatest in people who ate the most nuts. Those who never or almost never ate nuts had no change in risk, and those who consumed nuts five or more times a week had a 27 percent lower risk. Women who consumed peanut butter five or more times per week had a 21 percent lower risk compared to women who never or almost never ate peanut butter."
So, add a few handfuls of peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds to your daily routine to take the offense against diabetes while boosting your energy levels.
Glucose Supplements: Tailored Support 🩸💊
Glucose supplements have been shown to aid specific diabetic needs. In a study of glucose supplement drinks published in BMJ Journals (vol 4 Iss 1), it was concluded:
"In summary, consumption of a diabetes-specific nutritional supplement led to a significantly lower mean glucose AUC [area under the curve] compared with subjects consuming a standard formula. These findings suggest that the use of a product designed for use by individuals with type 2 diabetes may prove useful as an adjunct to glucose stabilization and management practices."
Maintain your health on course with smart dietary choices that serve as excellent nutrition for diabetics. Always follow your doctor's advice and communicate any dietary changes to your practitioner to minimize risks and live an optimally healthy life. 🩺💪🥦