For diabetics, a healthy diet will help to manage your blood sugar levels and reduce complications with the condition. While no two people with diabetes are alike, there are some general strategies that can help you make better food choices. If your family doctor diagnoses you with diabetes, here are a few ways to help you create a healthy, tasty diet.

How to Maintain a Healthy Diet With Diabetes

1. Choose Better Proteins

While you can safely eat meat as a diabetic, controlling the amount of red and processed options in your diet is necessary. For example, sausage, beef, bacon, and lamb are common foods in these categories, and studies show that they may increase the risk of heart disease.

Instead of these foods, swap them out for unprocessed proteins like eggs, poultry, unsalted nuts, and fish. You can also substitute meat for beans and lentils, which are high in fiber and won’t significantly affect your blood sugar levels.

2. Reduce Salt Intake

Salt is one of the most common flavorings in food, and overeating sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Having diabetes further increases this risk, so you should reduce your salt intake. Generally, aim for about six or fewer grams of salt each day.

Also, try to avoid prepackaged foods, as they usually have high salt levels. If you do buy these items, read their nutrition labels to ensure you aren’t exceeding your limit accidentally. In place of salt, use other natural spices and herbs to flavor your meals. 

3. Watch Your Drinks

Sometimes your diet has little to do with your food, and more to do with your beverages. This is why family doctors advise patients to avoid soda with their meals. These drinks have significant amounts of sugar that can cause your blood glucose levels to spike.

If plain water is unappealing, try unsweetened, carbonated water with a no added sugar. This simple switch help you manage your diabetes, and it can also reduce your weight by cutting out excess calories. 

If you need help managing your diabetes, visit the family doctors at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics in Albia, IA. This state-of-the-art hospital has a 24/7 emergency room, outpatient clinic, and cardiac rehabilitation center. Whether you need a routine checkup or help during a medical emergency, their compassionate family doctors and nurses will give you the care you deserve. Call (641) 932-2134 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online for more information about their services.