There is one thing that should be common knowledge for diabetics. Food can help you control your disease. And yet for many type 1 and type 2 diabetics, food that is eaten may not be linked to how easy it is to control blood sugar and keep the disease under control. Many people do not see the impact that our diet can have on our health but for diabetics, food and their disease are inexorably linked.

There are two types of food for diabetics: the food items that they should be including in their diet, and the food items that should be left out as much as possible or, at least, eaten in very small amounts on an infrequent basis. By learning which items promote good health a type 2 diabetic may be able to reduce the amount of insulin they need to take and may even be able to eliminate it.

For a type 1 diabetic, they will never be able to eliminate the need to take insulin but they will often be able to maintain better control over their blood sugar levels and stave off some of the side effects such as blindness or impaired circulation.

What Foods Should Be Included In A Diabetic Diet

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutrient rich and are therefore worthwhile to include in any diet, regardless of whether you are diabetic or not. Some good options include arugula and spinach. Dark green leafy vegetables can be great foods for diabetics to include.

Foods that are high in fiber such as whole grain bread products can also be good choices for any diabetic patient’s food intake. Although any food will raise blood sugar, foods that are high in fiber can help stave off sudden fluctuations and cause raises and decreases to become more gradual and easier to handle.

What Foods Should Be Eliminated From A Diabetic Diet

Just as there are some foods that should be included in a diabetic diet, there are also foods that need to be avoided as well. These include items that are full of chemicals. Many processed foods have high levels of sodium, refined sugar and nitrates in them. They are also low in natural fiber and this can cause problems for blood sugar levels.

Speaking with a dietician who is familiar with your medical history will enable you to find out which foods you should be eating and which you should be avoiding.