Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood glucose rises, which leads to complications on body organs such as the kidneys and eyes if its levels are not controlled.

What are the top 10 foods for diabetic patients?

We emphasize here that these tips are general and for reference only.

Do not change your treatment or diet without consulting your doctor.

Top 10 foods for diabetic patients

1- Broccoli and non-starchy vegetables

Non-starchy vegetables are among the healthiest foods diabetics can eat.

They promote a feeling of satiety and are full of vitamins.

Since it is a food that contains trace amounts of sugar and high levels of fiber.

And you can eat any amount of non-starchy vegetables without having to worry about high blood sugar.

To get the most benefit, choose fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables that have no added salt or sauce.

Some of the best non-starchy vegetables:

  • broccoli

  • cabbage

  • cauliflower

  • celery

  • Cucumber

  • artichoke

  • asparagus

  • tomatoes

  • zucchini

  • green onion.

2- eggs

Eggs may reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, and alter the size and shape of LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to a report in Healthline.

A 2019 study found that eating a high-fat, low-carb breakfast of eggs can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Regular consumption of eggs may reduce the risk of heart disease in several ways.

Older research has also linked egg consumption to heart disease in people with diabetes.

But a more recent review of studies found that eating 6 to 12 eggs per week as part of a nutritious diet did not increase heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes.

Furthermore, some research suggests that eating eggs may reduce the risk of stroke.

3- Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil contains oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that may improve blood sugar management, reduce triglyceride levels after a meal, and have antioxidant properties.

This is important because people with diabetes tend to have problems controlling their blood sugar levels and have high levels of triglycerides.

4- Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and regular vinegar have many health benefits.

Although it is made from apples, the sugar in the fruit ferments into acetic acid.

The resulting product contains less than one gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon.

According to an analysis of 6 studies, including 317 people with type 2 diabetes, vinegar has beneficial effects on fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c.

Apple cider vinegar may have many other health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

But more studies are needed to confirm its health benefits.

To incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet, start with 4 teaspoons mixed in a glass of water each day before each meal.

Note that you may want to add 1 teaspoon per cup of water so the taste isn't too strong.

Increase to a maximum of 4 tablespoons per day.

5- Beans

Beans consist of high-quality carbohydrates, protein and soluble fiber, and are a good source of magnesium and potassium.

Beans help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep hunger under control.

6- Lettuce and dark green leafy vegetables

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale and watercress are packed with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and K, iron and potassium.

They also provide fiber and antioxidants.

7- Nuts

Nuts provide healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and magnesium. However, diabetics are recommended to eat only a few grains, because they are rich in calories, as one ounce (about 28 grams) contains about 170 calories.

8- Yogurt

Yogurt provides diabetics with calcium, protein, potassium and magnesium.

Protein helps you feel full and satiated.

Stay away from flavored or fruity yogurt because it contains a lot of sugar, and buy plain yogurt, and if you want a sweet flavor in it, add to it the fresh cut fruit you prefer.

9- Strawberry

If you're looking for something sweet, try snacking on a cup of strawberries.

Strawberries are full of antioxidants and are low in calories.

10- Avocado

Avocados contain less than one gram of sugar, few carbs, high fiber content, and healthy fats, so you don't have to worry about raising your blood sugar levels, according to Healthline.

Avocado consumption is also associated with improved overall diet quality and a significant reduction in body weight and "body mass index" (BMI).

This makes avocados an ideal snack for diabetics.

A 2019 study in mice found that AvoB, a fat molecule found only in avocados, prevents incomplete oxidation in skeletal muscle and pancreas, reducing insulin resistance.

More research in humans is needed to determine the relationship between avocados and the prevention of diabetes.

General advice for diabetics

  • Eat meals and snacks regularly and at the scheduled times

  • Eat the right amount of food in the meal.

    Eating more may cause blood sugar to rise, and eating less may cause it to drop.

  • Choose healthy foods.