Diabetes: Summer Nutrition Tips For Diabetes Patients

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As per the International Diabetes Federation, in 2017, there were 72 million diabetic patients in India, which is expected to increase.

Our body converts the food we eat into sugars or glucose. At the same time, the pancreas releases insulin, which enables our bodies to utilise this glucose for energy.

It is common for a person to develop diabetes when their body fails to produce sufficient insulin, resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels [1].

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (when your body cannot produce insulin) and type 2 diabetes (when your body becomes insulin resistant). Diabetes can result in excessive thirst, infections, frequent urination, and blurred vision.

As a result, it is extremely important that you stay hydrated throughout the summer, especially if you have diabetes [2].

Here are some Summer Nutrition Tips For Diabetes.

Summer Nutrition Tips To Follow If You Have Diabetes

1. Start your day with a fibre-rich breakfast

A breakfast high in fibre prevents blood glucose spikes by slowing the release of sugar in the bloodstream. Additionally, a fibre-rich breakfast can help prevent cravings since it fills you up. Choose oats, eggs, and bananas as your breakfast.

Avoid fruit cereals, since they tend to be high in sugar. Adding low-carb and fibre-rich fruits to your breakfast is also an excellent option [3].

2. Stay hydrated

In summer, it is extremely important to remain hydrated. If you are dehydrated, you may feel weak, and you may even collapse in the heat.

Diabetics are particularly at risk of dehydration. To maintain a low blood sugar level and flush out excess sugar and toxins from the bloodstream, diabetics should drink a healthy amount of water in the summer.

3. Mangoes should be consumed in moderation

In summer, mangoes are a must-have because they are rich in fibre, pectin, and vitamin C, which lowers serum cholesterol levels in the body. Diabetics, however, should always consume mangoes in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Although mangoes contain natural sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes may be able to consume one small to medium-sized mango twice a week when they are in season [4].

4. Avoid drinking sweet juices

Despite the fact that chilled fruit juices provide immense relief after a long, hot day, you must remember that juices are not very high in fibre and are also high in natural sugar.

Be careful to limit your consumption of fruit juice and to make it yourself from fresh fruits if you must drink it. Avoid packaged fruit juices if you can [5].

5. Mix up your diet

Rather than having the same platter of food every day, change it up a bit so that more water-rich food is available for your body to absorb. You can substitute your evening snack with an evening snack of cucumber slices or slices of watermelon.

Since 90% of these fruits are composed of water, they provide many health benefits [6].

On A Final Note...

For people with diabetes, drinking enough liquids is imperative, as is choosing the right diet to control blood glucose levels and eating foods which naturally cool the body down.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.