The key to managing diabetes is to follow a healthy food regime that can keep your blood sugar levels in control. What you eat in your meal has a direct effect on how much sugar your blood contains. So, making the right food choices is going to help you manage blood glucose levels better. At the same time, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all food regime for patients diagnosed with diabetes and you must consult your doctor before making major nutritional changes.

Your doctor will come up with a meal plan to tell you what you can eat for your main meals and snacks in between meals. The plan also contains details on how much of these foods you should have. A healthy food plan for those with diabetes should typically have 40%-60% calories from carbs, 30% or less from fats, and 20% from proteins.

How to make a nutrition plan to manage diabetes?
The idea is to follow a food plan which is low in sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar. You need to identify which foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike. It is not always the type of food that you consume, but the combination of foods that you eat, which can be harmful when you have diabetes.

• To begin with, you must know how to measure portions and count carbs as they have the most impact on blood glucose levels. Individuals who take insulin at mealtimes need to know the portion of carbs in their meals to make sure they get the right dose.
• Every meal must be well-balanced, with a good blend of carbs, fruits, veggies, fats, and proteins. Carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for people with diabetes because they are fiber-rich and keep blood glucose levels stable.
• You must also adjust your food and medicines. When the quantity of food is extremely less and you’re on medications like insulin, you may end up with dangerously low levels of blood sugar, resulting in hypoglycemia. On the other hand, an excessive food intake will make your blood glucose levels rise high, causing hyperglycemia.

Foods that should be part of the daily nutrition

• You should stay away from sugary beverages and drinks sweetened with corn syrup. These have the least nutritional value and contain added sugar. They make blood sugar levels rise up and must be consumed if you experience hyperglycemia or low insulin levels.
• Whole grains must be part of the daily nutrition. Some food items with whole grains include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice.
• Legumes, beans, peas, lean meat, poultry, and fish should be part of your meals.
• You can also include low-fat and non-fat dairy products, like yogurt and non-fat milk.
• Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish oils can be incorporated in the food regime.
• Fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables will keep blood sugar levels in control.
• High-fiber cereals or bread made from whole grains can be consumed.
• Fish, turkey, seafood, shellfish, and organic chicken are also beneficial for those with diabetes.

Top glucose monitoring systems 

Glucose meters help you check your blood sugar levels from the comfort of your home. Here are a few popular options to consider.

Dexcom G6 CGM
Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring kit for type 1 and type 2 diabetes comes with a one-touch applicator. It is equipped with a sensor that can be seamlessly embedded underneath the skin. The Dexcom G6 glucose meter measures your blood sugar levels and sends information to any wireless device that supports the transmitter. You can view the results on a small display device or even on the app installed in your smartphone to check glucose levels in real time.

FreeStyle Freedom Lite
The FreeStyle Freedom Lite is a portable and efficient blood glucose monitoring system known for its application and compatibility. The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold it in your hands, and it comes with a big display for easy reading. You can get accurate results in five seconds and monitor your blood glucose actively.

OneTouch® Ultra® 2 meter
For ease of use, OneTouch® Ultra® 2 meter features a simple design and hassle-free blood glucose monitoring. The large display screen comes with a backlight. And the DoubleSure® Technology in its test strips further ensures that each blood sample is checked twice for more accurate results.