10 Foods That Are Great For People With Diabetes

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, or have been living with diabetes for years, you’ve definitely heard that it’s important to watch what you eat. And while there are a lot of myths surrounding just what that means, the truth is, people with diabetes don’t have to follow a special “diabetic diet.” In reality, it’s recommended that people with diabetes try to stick to the same well-balanced diet everyone else is recommended.
But what all does that entail? Well, most medical professionals suggest opting for whole foods, such as vegetables (especially the non-starchy variety) and fruits, over processed foods, when possible. Further, they recommend choosing foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Heart-healthy foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also encouraged, as people with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease.
In the list below, you’ll see some of our favorite diabetes-friendly foods. Take a look!
10. Dates
Not only are dates delicious, they’re also loaded with fiber! Just seven dates contain up to 4 grams of fiber. Further, they contain more antioxidants than oranges, grapes, peppers and broccoli, explains Prevention. Since dates still contain sugar, they should be consumed in moderation, but they make a terrific substitute when baking! Make sure you’re eating fresh dates over dried, as it’s easy to consume a lot more sugar than you mean to when eating dried fruit.
9. Berries
Berries contain antioxidants known as polyphenols and provide a good source of fiber– a cup of blueberri Continue reading

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Protecting your dog from diabetes

You may be surprised and disheartened if you learn that your dog has diabetes. But with proper care, your beloved pup can live a long and healthy life.
There’s little or no evidence to suggest that dogs get Type 2 diabetes, although cats can. Dogs can and do develop Type 1 diabetes. Just like in human beings, this form of the condition is marked by a lack of insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar in check.
When an animal or human has diabetes, their muscles have trouble converting glucose into energy. An excess of glucose builds up in the blood, causing a state of hyperglycemia. If left untreated, this will develop into severe health problems.
Dog diabetes symptoms
Diabetes can manifest in many different symptoms you may have already noticed in your dog.
Constantly hungry or thirsty
Often, diabetic dogs will show an excessive need for food and water, along with increased urination.
Surprising accidents
Partially because of the increase in urination, diabetic dogs who have previously been housetrained may start to go to the bathroom inside again.
Weight loss
If your dog is eating normally — or even chowing down more than usual — but still losing weight, this can be a sign of diabetes.
Vomiting
In later stages of diabetes, dogs may vomit or even stop eating completely.
Lethargy and depression
Another late-stage symptom, your dog may be diabetic if you notice that he or she seems unusually lethargic or depressed.
If you have witnessed these symptoms in your dog, or have other reasons to believe your dog has developed diabetes, you should schedule an appointment with Continue reading

How to Use Okra For Treating Diabetes

Okra is considered a comfort food by all who love it. Although okra or Abelmoschus esculentus (sometimes referred to as “lady fingers”,”bamia” or “bhindi”) is often served fried and battered, it is quite the healthy food and boasts many health benefits when prepared without a beer-battering and deep-frying.
The Health Benefits of Okra
I discussed the 10 health benefits of okra in the past and briefly talked about research linking okra consumption to improvements with diabetes. I also included okra as part of my list of 14 foods that can control type 2 diabetes. Okra packs a potassium punch, has many vitamins and minerals and is nearly calorie-free.
Now, let’s take an in-depth look at the okra-diabetes connection, and learn more about how preparing okra in a specific way can help fight existing diabetes and stave off diabetes in those who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic (also be aware of the 13 Early Warning Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore).
Please note that all solid research to date has been conducted on animals, and although rat and rabbit studies may translate well to human applications, the human evidence for okra as an anti-diabetic treatment are limited to anecdotes at this time.
Okra as a Natural Cure for Diabetes – the Research
Several research studies have shown that okra can help treat diabetes.
One animal study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences and performed by researchers from India used rats in which diabetes had been induced. This study found that the seeds and peel of okra have anti-diabetic properties whic Continue reading

Former U-M football player says going vegan changed his life, reversed diabetes

ANN ARBOR, MI -- It's been 30 years since Marc Ramirez was recruited to play football for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
The 6'2" right guard from the Chicago area came here in 1986 to join Michigan's offensive line, playing under legendary coach Bo Schembechler.
Jim Harbaugh, who is now the team's head coach following a career in the NFL, was the quarterback Ramirez's freshman year.
"It was just an amazing experience here," Ramirez said. "The first time running out of that tunnel, I'll never forget it -- 1986, it was against Oregon State. It really was an amazing feeling just running out of that tunnel. Bo has got the whole team pumped up. You're so pumped up, and you are fired up. It just felt like I was floating."
Because he was so physically active, Ramirez said he didn't really have any health problems back then.
That changed in the years after he graduated from U-M in 1990. No longer a college athlete, he eventually became out of shape and was diagnosed as diabetic, and he was taking various medications to manage his health problems.
But for more than four years now, he's been sticking to a whole-food, plant-based diet, no longer taking any medications, and he says he's never felt healthier.
"When I played football here at Michigan, I was 305 pounds," he said. "Today, at 48 years old, I weigh 210 pounds, so I'm almost 100 pounds lighter, and I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life at this point. I feel great."
Ramirez said doctors don't consider him diabetic anymore because his blood sugar levels are no longer in what they consider the diabetic range.
"Ho Continue reading

What You Need to Know About Bananas and Diabetes

Although the American Diabetes Association says that people with diabetes can eat just about any kind of fruit, including bananas, you might still have some worries about its effect on your diet.
Carbohydrate Content
When you struggle with diabetes, you have to pay close attention to the amount and type of carbohydrates in your diet because diabetics have trouble with insulin and can have unusually high levels of glucose circulating throughout the body.
Nearly all fruits contain high amounts of carbohydrates. Therefore, eating too many fruits can dump more glucose than your diabetic body can handle. However, carbohydrates are an essential part of your diet that you cannot live without. The key to being able to enjoy fruit, and specifically bananas, is to find a balance.
Having a diet plan that keeps track of how much fruit and how many carbs you are allowed to have in one day will help to keep your blood sugar levels on track.
Nutritional Value and Benefits of Bananas
Bananas have a wide range of benefits and are a good source of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and manganese. A medium size banana contains about 110 calories, four grams of fiber and 400 mg of potassium.
Because of their high potassium content, bananas are beneficial for helping regulate blood pressure and can reduce your risk of stroke as well. Bananas are also considered a "good mood" food because the vitamin B6 that bananas contain is thought to regulate mood.
Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid which converts to the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals are thoug Continue reading