Change Your Diet If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or your body doesn’t efficiently use the insulin it does produce (Type 2 diabetes). 

Insulin allows sugar to enter your cells to be used as energy, and if this doesn’t happen, the sugar stays in your bloodstream, which can lead to a host of complications. What you eat affects your blood sugar levels, so if you have diabetes, you need to eat a diabetes-friendly diet.

At Monarch Health Services, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tiffany Jarrett, MD, and our team are committed to helping you manage diabetes. We understand that diabetes can be tricky to deal with, and we’re here to provide the support you need. 

In this blog, we explain how you can create a healthier diet and live a healthier lifestyle. 

Foods to avoid if you have diabetes

Regulating the consumption of high-carb foods is essential for a person living with diabetes because high-carb foods can raise your blood sugar levels. Examples of high-carb foods include:

• White rice 
• White bread 
• Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes 
• Soda 
• Snacks made with processed sugars 

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you should know that this doesn’t mean you can never consume the above foods again. It only means you must be careful about how much you have and how often. You should also limit your consumption of alcohol and foods with lots of fat and salt. 

Foods you should eat if you have diabetes 

The good news is there are plenty of foods you can enjoy if you have diabetes. 

Your diet should be rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables. You should also eat whole grains, such as oats and brown rice, especially as an alternative to white rice breads and other foods made with white flour. For protein, you should eat lean meats, tofu, lentils, and beans. 

Tips to help manage your diet 

Maintaining a healthy diet if you have diabetes involves eating the right foods at the right times. Here are some tips that can help you do just that:

Create a plan

It’s essential to have a diet plan that details what you should eat and in what amounts. But, to do this in the best way possible, you need to consult with your doctor. Why? Because you need the right foods for your individual situation, and only a doctor can provide that expertise.

For example, while eating high-carb foods is often discouraged in large part, not eating any could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low in some people. Your doctor will be able to assist you in creating a plan tailored to your unique needs. 

Eat regularly

In general, you should eat well-balanced meals at regular times to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. For many people with diabetes, doctors often recommend eating simultaneously for each meal.

This is because certain types of insulin can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low if a meal is skipped. But again, talk with your doctor about this.

Count your carbs

Counting your carbs can help you track the amount of carbohydrates you consume daily, which, in turn, can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. 

Keeping your blood sugar under control is vital in helping to avoid complications, such as chronic kidney disease, heart problems, and nerve damage.

Get the care you need

If you have diabetes and want top-notch care so you can live as healthy and fulfilling a life as possible, we can help. We can give you a thorough evaluation and design a customized diet and lifestyle plan just for you.

To learn more, call 561-510-7859 or book an appointment online with Monarch Health Services, Inc. today.