Statistics suggest more than 300 million people around the globe suffer from some form of diabetes. That means a significant percentage of adults are suffering from this chronic disease.

If you want to live a normal life you must discuss a total health plan with your clinician. In most cases this plan will be designed to help you control your diabetes. Knowing what to do is only half of the battle. Living with diabetes is actually a constant balancing act and some find it difficult to balance their lifestyle, medications, and diet. Bringing these things in balance can help you live a healthy life.

Diabetic Food Management

If you have been living with diabetes for quite some time, your doctor may recommend speaking with a dietician in order to develop a healthy eating plan. This plan should work with your medications and will most likely help you manage your blood sugar levels.

In turn this will prevent the chances of developing other chronic – potentially life-threatening diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. If weight is a major issue it may benefit you to see a dietician sooner rather than later. Always consult your doctor before deciding if seeing a dietician is the right choice for you.

In many cases, newly diagnosed diabetics may be asked to adjust their current diet. Your regular clinician should be able to help you with this. Here are a few general tips that have shown promise for some diabetics.

The Details of the Diet

Many heathy diets are based on eating three to five meals each day at certain times. That will help your body use the insulin it produces properly and work synergistically with your medications. Others chose smaller portions but a larger number of eating sessions during the day. The goal is to prevent blood sugar spikes, which may be caused by eating a large amount in a single setting. Here are four groups of food you should try to consume on a daily basis:

• Food rich in fiber:This includes vegetables, legumes, wheat barn, fruits and nuts.
• Protein: Certain foods, such as chicken or eggs whites may be ideal for weight control and preventing blood sugar spikes. Preparation is key. Fried protein in most cases is not healthy. You must also be conscious of cholesterol, which is just one major reason to always consult your clinician when making dietary changes.
• Healthy fats:These are fats that maintain healthy cholesterol levels in your body. They are found in almonds, olives and walnuts.

What Foods Should You Avoid?

There are certain groups of foods you should try avoiding altogether. These food groups have the potential to increase the risks of certain diseases:

• Trans fats: These can be found in margarine, baked goods, and snacks
• Saturated fats:They can be found in products like bacon, hot dogs, and beef
• Sodium: Too much salt can exacerbate certain medical conditions

Final Thoughts: Create a Plan

Visit the American Diabetes Association’s website and see their 7-step method of planning meals. Their plan focuses mainly on vegetables and tries to reduce red meats.

Were you recently diagnosed? It is important to work closely with your doctor. When making decisions concerning your health, always consult a clinician. Working closely with your clinician is vital when you are diagnosed with diabetes.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.