The minute someone is diagnosed with diabetes the mind begins to wonder.   We start to think of what we can and can’t do, eat or drink.  There is so much information at times it can be overwhelming.  To make things even worst, we have to change our daily habits and sometimes, it’s just not that easy.  There are different types of diabetes:

• Diabetes Type 1 is diagnosed when insulin is not produced at all
• Diabetes Type 2 is diagnosed when the body produces too much or not enough insulin. 
• Gestational Diabetes occurs only in women during pregnancy
• Prediabetes is borderline diabetes, glucose levels are a little higher normal but not as bad as those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Once this has been diagnosed, the person will have to monitor their glucose levels on a daily basis, exercise at least 30 minutes a day and change their diets.  These changes along with medication will help regulate blood sugar levels.  We have to avoid eating sweets and excessive carbohydrates.  However, not all hope is lost, there still are plenty of foods we can eat and enjoy.  The foods don’t have to be bland and boring, there are many wonderful recipes making it so much easier to stay healthy.

• Eating vegetables on a daily basis, at least five servings a day will help keep blood sugar levels low.   However avoid eating excessive amounts of starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and peas.

• Fruits are healthy and naturally sweet.  They are low in calories and high in fiber.  You can eat at least three servings a day without elevating sugar levels.  Avoid processed fruits and fruit juices which are loaded with sugar.  Choose whole produce which are better for you.

• Snack on nuts, they are loaded with good fats and help fight heart disease.  It’s important since those that suffer from diabetes will tend to have a higher cholesterol level.

• Whole grain cereals will give you another opportunity to load on up fiber.  Fiber is important, it will bind foods that your body does not process which will prevent them from affecting sugar levels.  You can top them off with fruits given it a sweeter and natural taste.

• Chicken or Turkey is the best protein to eat when diagnosed with diabetes.   This is low in calories, lean meat which contain less saturated fat that affect the bad cholesterol and may increase insulin resistance.

• Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of protein.  Since those that suffer from diabetes often have high triglycerides level, eating fish can improve those levels.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  The list is so much longer and for those that love sweets, all hope is not lost.  There are some you can consume which are low on sugar.  If you love to bake, there are things you can substitute, get the same flavor but much healthier.  There are plenty of books with delicious recipes to make meals more interesting.  However, the whole point in all this is trying to stay healthy.

Here’s another tip, changing your eating habits, even if you are not diagnosed with diabetes, is a very good idea.  Doing this can prevent many illnesses, such as heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.  Eating healthy is a good way to living longer and feeling young again.