Diabetes amongst seniors is a highly prevalent problem that can affect all aspects of their life. If you are suffering due to diabetes, this article is for you. One of the best ways to combat the negative side effects caused due to diabetes would be by altering your diet. Since your diet is what mainly affects the prevalence of diabetes, read on to find out what our top picks are for a diabetic diet!
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that results in individuals having higher blood sugar levels. As a result of diabetes, you may experience increased hunger and thirst, as well as weight fluctuations. These are all very uncomfortable physical side effects of diabetes. However, other than the physical effects of diabetes, the idea of suffering from this illness can cause a lot of mental torment to a senior. It may be challenging for you to distinguish between what can be consumed and what should not be as a diabetic.
Diet For Diabetics
Introducing slight changes to your diet can be extremely beneficial for a diabetic. By consuming these foods, the main outcome would be for your blood sugar levels to be lowered.
Limiting Sugar Intake
Soft drinks and sugary treats have high glycemic indexes which can be very unhealthy for someone with diabetes. Even sugary drinks that state that they are “healthy” options can be loaded with high levels of sugar which is why you should always read the nutrition labels.
Increasing Fiber Intake
Fiber is extremely beneficial if you have diabetes as it helps to slow down the digestion of sugars. The body is unable to absorb and break down fiber, unlike other carbohydrates. This is why it is a good ingredient as it does not cause blood sugar spikes. Generally, fiber is also great for reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Avoiding Excess Salt
Due to diabetes, you may have a higher risk of having heart conditions as compared to someone without diabetes. Excessive sodium can cause a plethora of problems such as high blood pressure, which is why you should steer clear of this ingredient in your food!
Other than altering your diet, you should also aim to change certain of your eating habits. Eating at regularly set mealtimes and not skipping any meals can be highly beneficial in regulating glucose levels. However, being a diabetic does not mean that you must remove all traces of enjoyment from your life! The key would be portion control and finding replacements for your favorite treats.
At Rittenhouse Village At Portage, we believe in the importance of eating healthy and nutritious meals. Our chefs strive to come up with healthy meals for our seniors that are bound to keep you satiated for the entire day. We cook up our dishes with wholesome, natural ingredients that can help you to stay in the pink of health. Our team members provide the best care to our residents in a resort-style retirement community. So if all of that sounds good to you, look no further and reach out to us to find out more!
