Food options that help manage diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common and chronic conditions diagnosed in the country. Individuals may either have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with the latter being more prevalent. The condition mainly affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy. Thus, it is vital to monitor one’s food intake and make healthy changes to manage blood sugar levels. The following options can help avoid insulin spikes, resulting in a healthier lifestyle.

Fresh greens and vegetables
Greens like broccoli and Brussel sprouts contain isothiocyanate compounds that help promote better insulin sensitivity. Okra contains certain compounds and enzymes like polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants that help bring down blood sugar. Kale is another superfood that is rich in fibers and flavonoids antioxidants that promote antidiabetic properties. Sweet potatoes and yams are also an excellent substitute for starchy veggies like potatoes to manage insulin production well.

Fresh fruits
Apples are rich in soluble fibers and quercetin, one of the main compounds that helps regulate blood sugar. Eating an apple a day helps reduce the risk of diabetes from a young age.

Also, citrus-rich fruits like oranges and grapefruit have a very low glycemic index, meaning eating these will not trigger a spike in blood sugar levels. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries are loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals and are rich in antioxidants—all beneficial for managing diabetes with moderate consumption.

Beans, lentils, and avocado
Most legumes, beans, and lentils are rich in soluble fibers that help slow down digestion. The body processes food for energy more efficiently with fibrous options and avoids increasing the blood sugar levels in the process. Avocados contain healthy fibers, fats, and a ton of minerals that protect the metabolism and reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to diabetes.

Assorted nuts and seeds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, tree nuts, and peanuts are also popular options among foods that have a low glycemic index and boast high fiber content. A quarter cup of these nuts consumed regularly can reduce the risk of diabetes to a significant extent. Similarly, sunflower seeds and chia seeds are recommended as they are rich in plant-based proteins, fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Potentially reversing diabetes
Doctors may suggest patients with high diabetes levels to make changes in the food patterns and prescribe one or two antibiotics for faster recovery.

FARXIGA® (dapagliflozin)
This helps in improving blood sugar levels by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose from the bloodstream in people with type 2 diabetes. Farxiga is commonly taken with an exercise program. If you have a valid prescription of Farxiga for diabetes, you can find discount coupons on websites like goodrx.com and rxpharmacycoupons.com. The manufacturer of Farxiga has rolled out a SavingsRx Card for commercially insured patients, which offers savings of a maximum of $400 per month.

Treatment is an essential part of managing diabetes. If left untreated, the increase in the blood sugar levels in the body can lead to other conditions. One such condition is diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication that affects the eye. It is caused due to damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the retina. Common signs include blurry or fluctuating vision, loss of vision, and spots or strings floating in your sight.

Also, it is imperative to check blood glucose levels regularly, especially with active type 1 and 2 diabetes. This can be done at home using continuous blood glucose monitoring devices that can accurately determine blood sugar levels. These devices can generate results within a matter of seconds so patients can adjust their prescription or insulin dosage. Care Touch, Dexcom G6, Eversense E3 CGM, Guardian Connect, and Rite Aid TrueMETRIX Meter are some of the popular choices to consider.