Diabetes is a common condition that, unfortunately, cannot be cured completely. Maintaining the blood sugar level is the only way to manage the disease and its painful complications, including heart problems and specific types of cancer. Dietary choices help in this respect, as certain foods aid in controlling blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, a few types of foods have the opposite effect and might trigger problems in diabetes patients.

Read on as we discuss both categories in detail.

Foods to eat

The following foods can be safely consumed by patients suffering from type 1, type 2, and a few other kinds of diabetes.

• Cinnamon

Cinnamon, used as a food and medicine since ages, is known to lower blood sugar levels and the rate at which glucose enters the body. Studies also reveal that the spice improves insulin sensitivity and reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It can be used as a sweetener in almost every meal of the day.

• Turmeric

Turmeric is well-renowned for its incredible health benefits. The yellow spice contains bioactive compounds, the most important of which is called curcumin. The ingredient is the dominant factor in turmeric and helps reduce inflammation, blood sugar levels, and the risk of heart diseases. It makes diabetes a more manageable condition and can help prevent it as well.

• Fatty fish

Fatty fish helps control and prevent diabetes. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes and heart problems. These compounds clean up the arteries as well, ensuring a smooth flow of blood throughout the body. Salmon and mackerel are two examples of this type of food.

Foods to avoid
The following foods contain certain compounds that are unhealthy for everyone and not just diabetes patients.

• Trans fat
  Trans fat, considered the worst type of fat out there, is especially dangerous for people who have diabetes. Foods like peanut butter and baked goods contain these fats, which lower the level of “good” cholesterol and promote inflammation. Trans fat also raises the risk of heart diseases and disrupts blood supply by accumulating in blood vessels. This, in turn, increases blood pressure.
• Dried fruit
  Although not inherently bad, dried fruits shouldn’t be a frequent component in a diabetes patient’s meal. These foods lack moisture, which, besides increasing its nutrient content, raises the concentration of sugar. Hence, people who have diabetes must consume such foods only on occasion.
• Sugary drinks
  Diabetes patients should avoid any form of liquid that contains high concentration of sugar. These include soda, lemonade, and alcohol as well. Sugary drinks have a high volume of fructose, which increases insulin resistance and raises cholesterol levels. Obesity, a byproduct of increased consumption of such drinks, increases the risk of heart problems. Hence, diabetes patients must prevent including these drinks in any part of their diet.