Sugar patients have elevated blood sugar levels. One group of patients (type 1) cannot produce enough insulin, and the other group (type 2) has developed insulin resistance. The glucose in our blood mainly comes from the food we consume, so it is vital to manage our diet. 

Scroll down to learn more about the foods to eat and foods to avoid for a sugar patient.

The following section enlists some of the foods that are good for sugar patients:

1. Leafy Green Vegetables

These are beneficial in diabetes as they contain many nutrients and are low in calories. It also has a significant amount of digestible carbs that don’t affect the blood glucose levels. Diabetic patients should consume salads as cooking can destroy the nutritional values.

2. Chia Seeds

Owing to their richness in fibres, they work wonders for diabetic patients. The fibre present in the chia seeds can affect the texture of the ingested food, which slows down its movement in the gut. Apart from this, they also make you feel full for a long time.

3. Avocados

Avocados are very low in sugar content and have few carbohydrates, making them perfect for diabetic patients. They have high fibre content and healthy fats. It also improves diet quality.

4. Nuts

Nuts are mainly known to manage type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Consumption of nuts in combination with a controlled diet helps to improve blood sugar levels. Certain studies have revealed that pistachios contain glucagon that lowers blood glucose.

5. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat, is one of the most critical components of extra-virgin olive oil that helps glycemic management and reduces triglyceride levels. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the lining of your blood vessels.

6. Strawberries

Apart from being rich in antioxidants, strawberries contain Vitamin C and fibre. Because of their low glycemic index, they have no role in spiking the blood glucose levels.  Studies showed that strawberry consumption improves insulin sensitivity in some individuals.

7. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are rich in fibre, omega-3 fats, and many other plant compounds. The lignans in flax seeds improve blood sugar management and reduce the risk of heart disease. The fibres also increase insulin sensitivity and gut health.

8. Garlic

Contrary to its small size, garlic is highly nutritious and low in calories. It contains several nutrients such as Manganese, Vitamin C, Selenium, and Fibres. Along with cholesterol regulation, they improve blood glucose levels as well.

9. Squash

Squash is known to be one of the healthiest vegetables in the market. The remarkable property of this vegetable is its low glycemic index and low calorie count. One of the most common types of squash is zucchini, which is known to help critically ill diabetic patients.

The following section discusses the foods that sugar patients should avoid:

1. Candies

Candies have a high sugar content in each of their servings. The high sugar content explains the high glycemic index which consequently increases the blood sugar levels of an individual. You can use artificial sweeteners instead of candies.

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as hot dogs, salami, or cold cuts have a high sodium content and many preservatives. These harmful compounds are associated with an increase in blood sugar levels.

3. Refined Grains

Refined grain products such as pasta, white bread, and rice have high carbohydrate content, which can increase blood glucose levels in the blink of an eye. However, one of the researchers states the contrary.

4. Breakfast Cereal

The majority of breakfast cereals have a high content of added sugar, much like that of desserts. Hence, when getting breakfast cereals, check the nutritional content and get the one that is low in added sugar.

5. Sweetened Beverages

Sweetened beverages lack the nutrients and contain loads of sugar in each serving. Hence, beverages such as sweet tea, soda, and energy drinks should be avoided to keep a check on your blood glucose levels.

Blood sugar is like a slow poison that shows no signs and symptoms but gradually causes harm to the person. Hence, once diagnosed with diabetes, the person should take special care of his diet plan as it is the food that causes a spike in the blood glucose levels. 

Apart from avoiding certain foods, some foods also have specific properties that help control the blood sugar level. If no specific diet is followed, the levels can rise abnormally and result in other medical conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.

Sugar patients should consume the first meal within one to one and a half hours of waking up, followed by small meals every 4 to 5 hours. They should not consume much food in one go as it may cause a spike in their blood sugar levels. It is vital to have spaces between the meals of a diabetic diet.

Thus, your diet plan will include the quantity and type of foods you should eat to manage your diabetes. Therefore, it is vital to know about the calorific value of each food before consumption. Healthy eating sounds difficult but it rewards you with longevity.