Managing diabetes doesn't have to feel like a burden, and taking medication isn't the only solution. Discover how to effectively manage diabetes through the perfect mix of diet and exercise. This guide will explain why balanced eating and sticking to a consistent exercise routine are crucial for diabetic patients.
Diabetes, a prevalent lifestyle condition, was once a rarity. With the drastic change in our lifestyles, it has become quite rampant, and the numbers are only predicted to increase if early measures are not taken. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are too high, which can impact the body in many ways. It may have you struggling with your daily routine, but it’s only a challenge if you don’t manage it correctly. By following a curated diet for diabetic patients and an exercise regimen, you can strive to prevent the many complications that come with this condition, especially high glucose levels. In this article, we’ll talk about the types of exercise for sugar patients and some of the best food for diabetes control, along with tips and tricks for sticking to a healthy routine.
Types of Foods to Help Control Diabetes
Maintaining a diet for diabetic patients may be easier than you think. Here’s a compilation of some of the best food for diabetes control that we suggest you incorporate to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste:
Types of Food | Examples | Impact on Body | Sample Food |
High-fiber food | Whole grains and millets like wheat, ragi, jowar, and bajra | Low GI foods that slowly break down, causing a slow rise in blood sugar levels. | |
Pulses and beans | Kidney beans, soy, lentils, peas | Low GI foods that slowly break down, and do not cause sugar spikes. | |
Protein-packed food | Paneer, low-fat meat | Packed with protein, good fat, and vitamins, these foods keep the body strong. | Paneer egg curry |
Good fats |
MUFA-dense oils like mustard,peanut, olive oil Nuts like peanuts, almonds |
Good glycemic control and improved insulin sensitivity. | |
Polyunsaturated fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid foods like sardines, mackerel, walnuts, chia, tofu, eggs | Helps improve heart health | ||
Vegetables | Spinach, amaranth, and lady finger | Contains important minerals and vitamins. Helps maintain sugar levels. |
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Fruits | Apple, orange, guava | Low GI food, Rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and helps regulate blood sugar levels |
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start on a new diabetes diet:
- Create a routine: By keeping to a consistent eating schedule and maintaining portion control, you can avoid potential blood sugar spikes and dips. And if you're embarking on a healthier lifestyle journey, make sure to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to gauge your progress.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is an important part of a diet for diabetic patients as it helps in modifying the blood sugar levels. While water is a must have, you may also include healthy beverages like a Kashmiri Tea and a Nannari Milkshake minus the added sugars.
- Snack wisely: The best food for diabetes control are high-fiber snacks like veg seekh kebabs or vegetable paneer masoor cheela that would not cause a large variation in your sugar levels, unlike salty chips or sugary chocolates.
In the next section, we will talk about some of the best exercise for sugar patients that can help regulate glucose levels effectively.
Exercises for Managing Diabetes
Exercise and diet for diabetic patients go hand-in-hand for managing blood glucose levels. Learn how exercise can help you take control of your health and find the best exercise for sugar patients.
1. Aerobic exercises: An aerobic exercise for sugar patients refers to any structured movement that uses up glucose to produce energy in our body. This includes activities like brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. It is considered one of the best exercises for diabetes, having benefits like:
- Improves fasting blood sugar and insulin levels
- Reduces HbA1C (which is a measure of how well the person has managed his sugar levels over several weeks)
- Reduces triglycerides, blood pressure,
- Improves insulin resistance
- Improves metabolic rates and digestion
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Improves immune function
2. Resistance exercise: This is the best exercise for diabetes patients that want to increase their overall strength and fitness level. It involves using resistance to contract your muscles. Options include weight lifting, squats, and push-ups.
Resistance exercise for diabetic patients has a ton of great benefits, like:
- Improving glycemic control
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Regulating blood pressure
- Improving lipid profile and heart health
- Helping improve fat mass
- Building muscle
Here is an easy to follow sample exercise routine for diabetes patients:
- If you are diabetic, it's advisable to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly (distributed over at least three days), or alternatively, a minimum of 90 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise.
- For resistance training, perform one set of 10–15 repetitions for 8–10 exercises twice a week, later moving on to three sets of 8–10 repetitions three times a week.
It is highly recommended to adhere to the advice and guidance of a healthcare professional when it comes to designing a tailored exercise plan for individuals with diabetes.
Food intake and timing: If you’re looking to optimise your exercise routine, it is noteworthy that exercise for sugar patients after a meal can improve glycemic response. Undertaking activity after waiting 30 minutes after eating may be the key to significantly managing your blood sugar response.
Tips for Diabetic Patients
Alt subtitle: Tips For Healthy Eating and Staying Active as a Diabetic
There's no single diet or exercise regimen that suits every diabetic. However, we've listed some practical tips to help you make healthier dietary decisions.
- Create a healthy diet: For diabetics, it's essential to minimise intake of salty snacks, processed meats, and foods high in fat content. A well-rounded diet for diabetic individuals should include fiber-rich whole grains, lean proteins such as legumes and fish, a diverse mix of fruits, and a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables.
- Limit your alcohol intake: It is recommended to restrict your alcohol intake to a maximum of one drink a day for women, and two for men. A single drink of beer should measure up to 354 ml, whereas a drink of wine should be limited to 147 ml. Have several alcohol-free days per week for a healthier drinking habit.
- Portion control: Make sure you always follow the serving sizes and measurements recommended by your HCP. If you’re someone who tends to overeat, then it may be helpful to use smaller-sized plates so you don’t consume more food than necessary.
- Hydration: Drinking water is a great way to fight dehydration and regulate your body's sugar levels. To add some zing to your water, just a dash of freshly squeezed lime will do the trick.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a condition that requires proper management and effective lifestyle changes in order to reduce its complications. While this can sound daunting, with the right approach, you can take control of your health and lead an active and fulfilling life while managing this condition. By following a diabetes diet incorporating plenty of nutritious foods and designing a plan with the best exercise for diabetes based on your unique bodily requirements, you can manage your diabetes like a pro. Ultimately, being mindful about making healthy choices and being disciplined are key; if it feels too challenging or affects your daily life negatively, don’t hesitate to reach out for extra help from a healthcare professional.