Low Carb Foods for Diabetics

When a person suffers from diabetes, the sugars in his body are not used effectively, resulting in a high build up of glucose in the blood. The high blood glucose levels create many health complications and diabetes is one of them. Since diabetes occurs when the carbohydrate metabolism is not taking place properly in the body, many people including some doctors believe that reducing the intake of carbohydrates in a diabetic's diet will help him in stabilizing his condition. In the past, doctors who recommended low carb foods for diabetics, did find some success with patients, still most of the time, doctors would rather have their diabetic patients take medication and follow a healthy diet which is a mix of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, rather than just opting for a low carbohydrate diet. In fact there has been a low carb diabetics food pyramid especially developed for diabetic patients, which includes foods that consist of proteins, fats, fiber, calcium and carbohydrates. Below is a list of foods taken from this low carb food pyramid, that are often recommended to diabetics and pre-diabetics by doctors.

Low Carb Foods List

Vegetables
In a low carb diabetics food pyramid, vegetables come at the base. So doctors often recommend three to five servings of vegetables to diabetics every day. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes are not included in a diabetic diet.

Proteins
After vegetables, the second on the list of low carb foods for diabetics are protein foods. Proteins are usually recommended as they keep a person's stomach full longer than any other food. The servings of proteins that are suggested to diabetics vary from patient to patient.

Fats
When on a diet of low carb foods for diabetics, doctors recommend that monounsaturated fats found in olive oil as well as omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish, should be included in the diet. Foods with saturated foods should be avoided.

Fruits
One of the low carb foods for diabetics carbohydrate intake are fruits, provided they are low-sugar ones. People on a low carb diet are recommended up to three servings of low carb fruits such as apple, cherries, mangoes and strawberries, everyday.

Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds consist of proteins, fiber and healthy fats, making them one of the most nutritious low carb snacks. Nut flours and flax seeds can both be used to make muffins and other bakery items and are thus included in the low carb diet.

Whole grains
Certain low carb diets may include one serving of whole grains in a day. Whole grain foods such as brown rice and wheat, are broken into glucose much more slowly compared to refined, processed foods such as white flour and white bread and hence a serving might be included in some diabetic patients low carb diet.

Dairy products
Like whole grains, certain dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and strained yogurt have such sugars which are broken slowly compared to sugars in other foods and hence may be healthy to eat and can be included in the low carb diet plan for diabetics.

Beans and Legumes
If beans, lentils, and peas are eaten in moderation, in spite of being rich in carbohydrates, they can be digested well and are considerably healthy low carb foods for diabetics. The reason being that the carbohydrates in them are digested slowly and hence do not affect a diabetics blood glucose levels.

Eating in accordance with this low carb foods for diabetics list, do help diabetics keep their glucose levels in check. A low carbohydrate diet has many benefits, especially for the people with Type 2 diabetes as it helps in minimizing the blood sugar levels, aids in weight loss, and decreases the triglycerides. However, one of the drawbacks is that a low carb diet is somewhat difficult to follow, at least initially. But if a diabetic is able to stick to this diet plan, he will have to deal with much lesser health related risks in future.