Blood Sugar Control: 20 Best Food Recommendations for Diabetes
Having diabetes means you need to be more selective about the foods you eat. Why? Choosing the wrong foods can cause your blood sugar to spike, leaving you feeling dizzy and nauseous. To avoid this, here are some foods for people with diabetes that you can include in your daily diet.
1. Eggs

The protein in eggs can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
One egg contains about 13 grams of protein. To avoid consuming too much protein and potentially triggering complications such as kidney disease, you can calculate your daily requirement by multiplying your body weight by 0.8.
For example, someone who weighs 45 kg needs about 36 grams of protein.[1]
2. Sardines

The omega-3 in this fish can lower the risk of heart problems in people with diabetes. To get the benefits of omega-3, steam or boil the sardines, and avoid frying them. Also make sure the fish is fresh rather than a processed product.
3. Mackerel

Like sardines, this fish also contains omega-3, making it a healthy choice to include in your diet.
In addition, an animal study found that protein from mackerel may help lower blood sugar.[2] Although no human studies have been conducted, there is no harm in trying to include this fish in your meals.
4. Anchovies

Bored with the two fish options above? Try adding anchovies to your meals.
The vitamin E in anchovies helps activate adiponectin, which in turn makes the body more responsive to insulin.[3]
5. Broccoli

You can also add broccoli to your daily meal plan for people with diabetes. This vegetable is high in fiber, which can help prevent obesity and keep blood sugar levels more stable.[4]
6. Carrots

If you often have wounds that are slow to heal because of diabetes, this vegetable may offer a glimmer of hope. Carrots can speed up wound healing. They also have antidiabetic properties, so eating them may help improve your health.[5]
7. Cauliflower

This non-starchy vegetable is also a good choice for your diet. To lower blood sugar, you can eat it before a meal containing carbohydrates. This approach has been shown to effectively lower blood glucose after eating.[6]
8. Avocados

Avocados are a source of healthy fats and are a good addition to your diet, since the body needs fat to metabolize glucose.[7]
9. Chia Seeds

What should people with diabetes eat more of? In addition to the foods listed above, you can also try eating 34 grams of whole chia seeds each day. This may help reduce your post-meal glucose levels.[8]
10. Plain Yogurt

For people with diabetes, this food can provide antioxidants that support overall health. For healthy people, consuming 80–125 grams of yogurt per day can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 14%.[9]
11. Chicken Breast

Another food that can help people with diabetes avoid feeling weak is chicken breast. As a rich source of protein—31 grams per 100 grams of chicken breast—this meat can help you feel full for longer.
12. Strawberries

This fruit is a good choice for people with diabetes because it contains anthocyanins, which may lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
13. Oranges

Thanks to their polyphenol content, oranges may protect the body against the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
14. Quinoa

Quinoa contains compounds with antidiabetic properties, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes. What’s more, eating quinoa may reduce the risk of developing the disease by 19% in healthy people[10]
15. Kale

This vegetable can help lower blood sugar. To prepare it, you can make kale chips in the oven with just a little olive oil. They’re easy to make and just as tasty as potato chips.
16. Spinach

The phenolic compounds in spinach may have beneficial antidiabetic effects. You can try different spinach dishes, such as clear spinach soup or spinach soup, to support your health.
17. Oats

This food may help improve insulin resistance.[11] It is best to prepare oats without adding anything.
18. Dates

This food has antihyperglycemic properties, which means dates may help lower glucose levels.[12]
19. Bananas

Rich in fiber, this fruit can help you stay full longer and curb the hunger that often comes with this condition.
20. Asparagus

Boiled asparagus may lower blood glucose levels, especially when consumed at doses of 560 and 840 mg/kg of body weight.[13]
In addition to eating the foods listed above, there are some foods people with diabetes should avoid to keep the condition from getting worse, such as:
- Refined carbohydrates: bread, pasta, and pastries.
- High-sugar foods: chocolate, candy, and jelly
- Processed and fatty meats: sausage, bacon, beef, and lamb
To improve your health, follow a healthy eating pattern. While not every food for people with diabetes may taste delicious, choosing the right foods can have a positive impact on your body.
Shop Smart and Save at Sido Muncul Store!
Earn reward points with every purchase, collect points, and redeem them for discounts! The more points you earn, the more you save! Visit Sido Muncul Store today!