DIETARY ADVICE FOR CONTROL OF DIABETES
A change in diet is important to achieve control of blood sugar for people diagnosed with diabetes and those at risk of having diabetes. Dietary modifications also help to improve the quality of life and prevent diabetic complications. Taking drugs alone won’t render much help if the diet is crap.
So, what is recommended
- High fiber Carbohydrate/starch should be part of your diet eg maize, rice, beans, bread, potatoes, yam, semovita, plantain, pap. The size or quantity of the carbohydrate should be small e.g., the size of your fist.
- Refined starchy foods should be avoided e.g. soft drinks, malt, sweets
- Use honey or saccharine instead of sugar
- Reduce intake of animal fat, butter, egg yolk, pork. Avoid eating meat parts rich in cholesterol eg the skin of chicken and turkey, the intestine of beef
- Reduce your salt intake
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake
- Incorporate fruits and vegetables into every meal
- You can freely consume water, green vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, onions
- Eat small regular meals spaced over the day rather than one or two heavy meals
- See a dietician for further recommendation specific for your weight and age.
