Diabetes is a disease that adversely affects how the body handles and uses glucose, often referred to as blood sugar. Years ago, before insulin and glucose-lowering medications were created, diabetes used to mean a death sentence, especially for those with type 1 diabetes. Fortunately with the many medical advancements over the years, people with diabetes can live longer and higher quality lives. Many people are successful at managing their diabetes with diet and exercise and don’t have to rely on insulin or medications. One way to effectively manage diabetes is by eating healthy portion-controlled meals. With popular breakfast items like pancakes smothered in butter and syrup, biscuits, sausage and gravy and other high carbohydrate and fat choices, many diabetics may sometimes struggle with making the proper choices. The following foods are excellent ideas for diabetic individuals to eat for breakfast, since they won’t elevate the glucose levels.
Uncle Sam Cereal – This cereal is one of the few perfect cereals for those trying to keep their blood glucose levels under control. Uncle Sam has a whopping 10 grams of fiber per serving, it contains flax seeds and is guaranteed to be low glycemic, meaning it won’t spike glucose levels. Due to the fact that Uncle Sam Cereal may taste bland to most people, you can add a little pizzazz and flavor to it by adding your favorite alternative sweetener, fruit, cinnamon and/or vanilla flavoring.
Turkey Sausage – Diabetics are at risk of heart disease, so consuming a low-fat diet is important as well. Swapping fatty pork and beef sausage for turkey sausage is a great way to enjoy breakfast but without consuming all the fat. And since turkey sausage is pure protein, you won’t have to worry about glucose spikes.
Whole Grain Pancakes – Just about everyone loves pancakes, yet many diabetics may feel that they can no longer consume this popular breakfast food. This is totally untrue, and with the many choices of whole grain varieties available at the grocery store, you should be able to find a brand that not only tastes delicious but that doesn’t cause your glucose levels to spike. If you’re creative in the kitchen, you can even make your own pancake mix by using the whole grain flour of your choice, flax seeds, berries and more. Whichever brand you choose, you will want to make sure to use syrup that is sweetened with an alternative sweetener instead of the regular kind. Regular syrups can contain as many as 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which will definitely jolt your glucose levels and possibly cause you to gain weight, both of which aren’t good for diabetics.
Eggs – According to Ann Louise Gittleman, eggs are one of the most nutritionally perfect foods, supplying many important nutrients to the body. They’re also high in protein, low in carbohydrates and excellent for those with diabetes. You can prepare omelets with vegetables and low fat cheese or have a couple boiled, poached or scrambled eggs with a slice of diabetic-friendly toast.
Oatmeal – Although instant or quick oats are not the best choices for those with diabetes or trying to lose weight, the old-fashioned slow-cooking kind is excellent for keeping blood glucose levels stable, therefore making it a perfect food for managing diabetes. You can add low-calorie sweeteners, fruit, and cinnamon to add flavor to it, and it will taste just as good as any instant kind ever has.
References:
Mayo Clinic Diabetes Page-
Fat Flush Plan Author & Information Page –http://www.shareguide.com/Gittleman.htmlhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121/DSECTION=complications
