Expert-Approved Diets That Are Suitable for Diabetes Patients

Medical ConditionsOctober 20, 2020

For people with diabetes, eating has always been about regulating blood sugar levels. The unwanted and unexpected sharp spike in sugar levels can lead to serious effects such as confusion and lack of consciousness.

As such, diabetic patients must adhere to a diet that will not just help stabilize blood sugar levels but also provide the nutrients they need for optimum health. If you are suffering from this condition, here are food programs that can help you:

Keto Diet

While the Keto Diet has always been hotly debated when it comes to its promoted health advantages, it is deemed ideal for diabetic patients. This program aims to put a person’s body under ketosis, a phase wherein your body uses fat as fuel rather than glucose from carbohydrates.

Sasirin Pamai/Shutterstock Keto Diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet

The Keto Diet promotes consumption of mainly protein and fats rather than carbohydrates, which usually causes an increase in blood sugar. However, some experts remain divided when it comes to its effect on diabetes type 1 patients.

It may be beneficial for type 2 diabetic patients but a 2019 study found that drastically limiting your carb intake may not be sustainable because some people may find this feat to be difficult. The research also pointed out that the Keto Diet may be harmful to people with type 1 diabetes because they may be at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when ketones, or the byproduct of your body from using fat instead of carbs, build up in the bloodstream. As such, it is always best to consult with your doctor before trying any program.

Mediterranean Diet

This diet is focused on getting nutrients and vitamins from fruits, vegetables, and nuts. For protein, people under the Mediterranean program eat fish, while for healthy fats, olive oil.

Diabetic patients are usually advised to adhere to this plan because it includes a lot of lean meats and healthy vegetables. A 2009 study found that those who tried the Mediterranean diet for a month had a lower HbA1c, the blood glucose levels in three months.

El Nariz/Shutterstock Mediterranean is all about fruits and vegetables

Another study in 2010 reviewed the Mediterranean diet and found that the program helps in controlling blood sugar and preventing diabetes.

DASH Diet

Teodor Lazarev/Shutterstock DASH Diet is recommended to patients with high blood pressure

The DASH diet is oftentimes recommended to people with high blood pressure but it was found to be beneficial for diabetic patients as well. It is somewhat similar to the Mediterranean diet because it is also focused on fruits, vegetables, and lean meat.

A 2019 study found that teens with type 1 diabetes could control their habits just 18 days after they adhered to the diet. As such, they were able to adopt a healthy eating pattern.