Eating Healthy With Diabetes

Posted on by Jordan Soblick

Effectively managing diabetes means effectively managing blood sugar levels. Accomplishing that goal takes commitment, thoughtfulness, and vigilance. More specifically, controlling blood sugar levels is a matter of regular, consistent monitoring of those levels as well as eating the right foods, at the right times, in the right amount.

A healthy diet is an absolute necessity for anyone living with diabetes. What you put into your body plays an oversize role in the amount of glucose you have in your bloodstream. Therefore, a well-balanced and diabetes-friendly diet can be the key to keeping diabetes in check.

How Different Foods Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Four primary nutrients directly impact blood sugar levels:

  • Carbohydrates (the sugars, starches, and fiber in food)
  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Fiber

Carbs have the biggest effect on blood sugar levels and elevate blood sugar levels faster than proteins or fats, while protein, fat, and fiber may curb the rise of blood sugar levels after a meal.

Given these dueling effects, eating a diet that provides a balanced mixture of all four nutrients is the best way to keep your levels on the level. But not all carbs and fats are created equal. Avoid empty carbohydrates as well as saturated and trans fats and instead include ample amounts of the following in your diet:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Avocados
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Whole grains
  • Fish like salmon and tuna
  • Olives
  • Seeds
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oil and canola oil

Other Aspects Of Healthy Diabetic Eating

Other considerations for healthy diabetic eating include:

  • Limiting foods that are high in added sugar
  • Eat three meals a day at regular intervals
  • Eating smaller portions, spread out over the day
  • Staying aware of the amount of carbs you eat and when you eat them
  • Eating less fat
  • Limiting alcohol use
  • Using less salt
  • Monitoring blood sugar levels after each meal

People with diabetes come in all ages, sizes, and from all walks of life. They each have their own unique tastes, lifestyles, and health goals. One of the best things you can do when putting together a diabetes diet is to meet with a registered dietitian who can help you based on your particular circumstances and needs, and can discuss how you can improve your eating habits.

Monitoring Glucose Levels As Part Of Your Healthy Lifestyle

As noted, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential complement to a healthy diet in managing diabetes. While pricking a finger multiple times a day has been the prevailing method to monitor glucose levels, it is also an inconvenient and uncomfortable process. Fortunately, for many people with diabetes, a new, proven, tested, and reliable alternative is available that can make finger pricking a thing of the past.

Traditional glucose monitoring involves pricking a finger multiple times a day to test blood samples, an inconvenient and uncomfortable burden. Now, however, technology has provided those with diabetes a more accurate and easier way to keep track of their blood sugar levels.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a transceiver device that helps those with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels 24 hours a day without any need to interrupt their day to obtain a sample.

CGM has easy-to-use features that can help each person proactively record and track glucose levels—as well as provide valuable insights on data that helps manage exercise, meals, and daily health status.

Contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

CALL US TO QUALIFY NOW

If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

1-888-308-0094

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading