Managing diabetes mindfully means more than just a careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, it means making prudent choices in your diet as well. A healthy diet is especially important in addressing the risk factors of common diseases associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Work with your physician and a dietician to create a meal plan that best suits your needs. Research has shown that several nutritional elements may be helpful in managing diabetes-related issues:
- Incorporate magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, tofu, almonds, broccoli, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
- Increase intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water oily fish, fish-oil supplements, walnuts and freshly ground flaxseed.
- Choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index and have a low glycemic load, such as beans, lentils and whole-grain breads.