5 Types of Food that Help Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably still trying to determine just what changes you need to make to treat the disease.

When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t have enough insulin, a hormone that processes sugar into energy. This means your blood sugar levels can become so high they can cause major complications in your body, including heart disease, kidney disease, hearing loss, chronic wounds, and more. Type 2 diabetes is preventable, and Type 1 is not.

You can keep the disease in check with medication and insulin, but the good news is that lifestyle changes (mainly diet and weight loss) can have such an effect that you can actually reverse the disease and keep your blood sugar levels normal without medication.

Here at Phillips Family Medical, Pamela Phillips, Ph.D., FNP-C, and our team specialize in helping patients treat their diabetes. One of the most effective ways we do this is by helping them control their diet. The biggest thing to manage is your carbohydrates, which affect your blood sugar more than any other type of food.

 Here are five types of food we typically recommend that help reverse Type 2 diabetes.

1. Non-starchy vegetables

These are lower in carbs so they don’t raise your blood sugar, plus they’re higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Think of leafy, green options such as spinach, kale, and collard greens. Cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli are also good options.

2. Lean proteins

Your body needs proteins to function, but you want to focus on lean, low-fat options to stay healthier. This includes foods such as chicken, turkey, and eggs, along with fish such as salmon (which also provides healthy fats that help lower inflammation and improve heart health). Lean beef and pork are good as well.

3. Whole grains

Whole grains are higher in fiber and keep your blood sugar lower than refined grains. They help stabilize your blood sugar by slowing down your digestion and the absorption of glucose. Think of oats, quinoa, and brown rice.

4. Legumes

Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas also help regulate your blood sugar because they are rich in fiber and protein. They also help lower your cholesterol.

5. Berries

If you’re craving something sweet, stay away from the sugar-filled ice cream, cake, and candy that can spike your blood sugar. Think instead of healthier options such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries that can give you a burst of flavor along with fiber and antioxidants.

If you’d like professional guidance in managing your diabetes, our team at Phillips Family Medical is experienced and caring. To schedule an appointment today, call our DeSoto, Texas, office at 972-861-1151 or use our easy online booking tool.