It is normal to be concerned about your health when you have diabetes. You must have heard of terrifying stories of leg amputations, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, liver problems, and worse, death, that some people say come with diabetes. Well, they don't exactly come with diabetes, but they can result when blood sugar levels are not very well controlled.
The thing is, blood sugar levels can be controlled so that you don't get to experience these diabetic complications at all. Apparently, you need to have the right discipline to keep yourself on the right track all the time. Begin by making wise food choices from now on. If you have always resorted to buying take-outs at fast food restaurants, consider making your own lunch instead. As a diabetic you must be aware of what to eat to lower blood sugar levels, and these would include foods that are high in proteins, magnesium, fiber, foods with low glycemic index and those that are found to have insulin-like properties.
Vegetables, especially the green and leafy ones, are highly recommended. Spinach, collard greens, and lettuce, in particular, are ideal for diabetics. Fruits are also good, but remember, some fruits have higher sugar content than most. Grapefruits, lemons, and cherries, make excellent choices, though, because not only are they rich in antioxidants and fiber, they also have certain properties that aid in reducing sugar levels in the blood.
You should not skimp on proteins, either. Protein-rich foods help to keep diabetes at bay. Although proteins can be found in certain vegetables, too, they are more abundant in animal sources, such as chicken, fish, and turkey. Dairy products are also good sources of protein.
Don't forget to include whole grains, oats, and barley in your diet, too. If you are not allergic to nuts, snack on almonds, cashews, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts. They may be high in fat (although it's the healthy kind of fat, anyway), but these nuts reduce insulin resistance, which make them useful in regulating diabetes.
Cinnamon is also a good spice to stock up on. It's been said that a dash of cinnamon is enough to bring sugar levels down.
Then of course, never downplay the benefits of water. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water every day is essential as it prevents dehydration, and as you know, dehydration can complicate health problems, especially if you already have diabetes to begin with.