Dietary Principles and Health Supplements for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by insufficient insulin secretion or its poor function. Effective diabetes management requires a comprehensive approach involving diet, exercise, and medication. Among these, a proper diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels.

Dietary Principles for Diabetes

Diabetes diet is based on a normal diet, adjusted for calorie, protein, and carbohydrate intake to achieve good blood sugar control. Here are some general principles:

1. Regular Meals: Develop the habit of eating at regular times and in fixed amounts. Consistent carbohydrate intake is crucial for stabilizing blood sugar.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight individuals should aim to lose 5-10% of their body weight, which can significantly improve their condition.
3. Low Fat: Avoid fried foods and those high in saturated fats, such as pork skin, chicken skin, duck skin, fatty meat, etc. Opt for plant oils like olive oil and canola oil for cooking.
4. Low Sugar: Reduce intake of refined sugars found in candies, cookies, and desserts. Use sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, or acesulfame potassium instead.
5. Low Salt: Keep your diet light and avoid high-salt foods like processed products, pickled items, and canned foods.
6. High Fiber: Choose foods rich in fiber, such as beans, oats, vegetables, and whole grains. These can help slow blood sugar rise and lower cholesterol.
7. Low Cholesterol: Avoid high-cholesterol foods like organ meats, crab roe, and egg yolks.
8. Limit Alcohol: Habitual drinking is not recommended. If necessary, drink in moderation. For pregnant women and those with pancreatitis, progressive neuropathy, or severe hypertriglyceridemia, alcohol should be avoided altogether.