Nutritionist names foods that can help prevent diabetes
Nutritionist explained how to eat to avoid diabetes (Photo: Freepik)
Prediabetes is a condition in which the body is on the verge of developing diabetes. During this period, it is important to follow certain dietary guidelines to improve health.
RBC-Ukraine informs what affects blood sugar levels and what symptoms should raise concern.
Why prediabetes should not be ignored
According to Ukrainian nutritionist and endocrinologist Natalia Samoylenko, prediabetes is when the first changes occur, and blood sugar levels occasionally rise, but diabetes cannot yet be diagnosed based on diagnostic criteria.
It is important to remember that this process is reversible, so it is crucial to normalize your health during this period.
The first step is to establish a routine. People who eventually develop type 2 diabetes often have erratic eating habits.
Even if you are not ready to eliminate some foods, it is important to ensure that your lunch, breakfast, and dinner are healthy, and to avoid unhealthy snacks.
This will already be a significant step toward reducing blood sugar and insulin levels.
How to eat
Consume fiber-rich foods, as they help control blood sugar levels and maintain a feeling of fullness.
Fiber-rich foods include: spinach, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, legumes, nuts, dried fruits, and fresh berries.
It is also important to eat healthy fats - monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that do not solidify. These are found in fish, avocados, and nuts.
Natural sources of protein include skinless chicken, fish, lean beef, chicken and quail eggs, and seafood.
What affects blood sugar levels
Blood sugar levels are influenced by the following factors:
- Lifestyle, including poor nutrition, low physical activity, and sleep deprivation
- Heredity (having diabetes in close family members)
- Coexisting diseases (endocrine, cardiovascular, and others)
- Certain medications
- Stress
Signs to watch out for:
- Feeling hungrier and thirstier than usual
- Frequent urination
- Being overweight or obese
- Feeling less productive
- Wounds healing more slowly
Sources: Instagram page of nutritionist and endocrinologist Natalia Samoylenko, website of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
