BEST FOODS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS DIABETES BEST FOODS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

Presentation by AYOO SEMMY EMILY BAREKYE WILLIAM ACAN MONICA

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Your food choices matter a lot when you've got diabetes, some are better than others which is the reason you have to watch out on what you eat according to Emily Kyle who is a dietician. Diabetics react differently to certain foods that are more likely to increase their sugar level, and continued consumption of such food may rapidly increase their blood sugar which is not good says Doreen Acam a nutritionist at kiryadongo hospital. Nothing is completely off limits. Even items that you might think of as “the worst" could be occasional treats -- in tiny amounts. But they won’t help you nutrition-wise, and it’s easiest to manage your diabetes if you mainly stick to the “best” options.

Nothing is completely off limits Nothing is completely off limits. Even foods that you might think of as “the worst" could be occasional treats -- in tiny amounts. But they won’t help you nutrition-wise, and it’s easiest to manage your diabetes if you mainly stick to the “best” options. However, eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin and inflammation under control can dramatically reduce your risk of developing complications that are associated with long term suffering with diabetes.

What you should eat Here are the foods that nutritionists Emily Kyle and Doreen Acam believe can lower your blood sugar and help regulate it . However they recommend that you should not stop treatment that the doctors have prescribed because of the food you are eating as it may be risky because these foods are not a replacement for treatment but just a measure to regulate and reduce blood sugars in diabetics.

Chia seeds “Chia seeds contain Omega 3 fatty acids that are a heart-healthy fat that contains fiber . “Research suggests that chia seeds help control blood glucose. Because of its fiber content that slows the passage of glucose into the blood. Also, fiber fills us up which reduces our appetite and helps us eat less enjoying . chia seeds can be added in yogurt, fruit and veggie smoothies, or salads. The young herbaceous chia plant leaves are dried to create tea leaves which reduces bad fats in the body

Avocado This fatty fruit can help you maintain healthy blood-sugar levels. “Avocados contain a significant amount of healthful fats and dietary fiber, which help slow carbohydrate digestion and absorption and prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Leafy vegetables Non-starchy vegetables, and legumes are rich in fiber that can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Fiber can help control blood glucose levels which is why diabetics should consume it. Local vegetables in the Ugandan market like amaranths, spinach ,pea leaves( dodo, Boo, Ggobe, Sukuma wiki among others) are healthy and contain high vitamins, magnesium and other minerals that are essential in the body explained Doreen Acam. Leafy vegetables also supports healthy cholesterol levels, can lower blood pressure, and relieve constipation. Like protein, fiber can help people feel fuller for longer. Green leafy vegetables like dodo and Sukuma wiki are healthy for diabetics

Eggs Eggs improve insulin sensitivity, increases your "good" HDL cholesterol levels and modify the size and shape of your "bad" LDL cholesterol. Regular egg consumption may also reduce your heart disease risk in several ways. People with type 2 diabetes who consumed 2 eggs daily as part of a high-protein diet had improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels in a study.

Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is made from apples , the sugar in the fruit is fermented into acetic acid, and the resulting product contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels. It may also reduce blood sugar response by as much as 20% when consumed with meals containing carbohydrates. In one study, people with poorly controlled diabetes had a 6% reduction in fasting blood sugar when they took 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed It can be got in most supermarkets in Uganda.

Cauliflower is rich in sulforaphane: a compound which a Science Translational Medicine study found can inhibit glucose production in cells and improves glucose tolerance in rodents on high-fat or high-fructose diet. 1 cup of raw white cauliflower, contains only 25 calories with 2 grams of dietary fiber and 80% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Cauliflower can be eaten fresh after grating it. Cauliflower

Green tea Green tea is hydrating and filling, green tea can help prevent overeating, which will both stabilize blood sugar levels and aid weight loss efforts by boosting feelings of satiety. This drink also increases your metabolism and reduces fat storage.

OKRA Okra is a delicacy mostly cooked with fish and sometimes alone, it can even be consumed raw . In studies, there is evidence that okra may help insulin function or even act as a substitute for insulin. It also slows glucose from getting into the blood in the first place, like drugs such as acarbose (brand name Precise). And it improves lipid (cholesterol) levels like statin drugs do.

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