Reviewed 3/27/2023
Diabetes superfoods
Eating right is an important part of managing diabetes.
While there's no one, specific "diabetes diet," there are some foods that are good for your overall health and may also help prevent disease. Here are 10 foods that are super choices for your diet thanks to their levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
BEANS
Why they're super: Beans are high in fiber, magnesium and potassium.
What to eat: Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans and pinto beans.
BERRIES
Why they're super: Berries are rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. They're also a good option if you're craving something sweet.
What to eat: Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries—any berry is a good choice!
CITRUS FRUITS
Why they're super: Citrus fruits are a good way to get your daily amount of fiber, vitamin C, folate and potassium.
What to eat: Take your pick of citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons, limes and oranges.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Why they're super: Dairy products can help build strong bones and teeth. And many are fortified with vitamin D.
What to eat: Milk and yogurt—look for yogurt products that are lower in fat and added sugar.
DARK-GREEN, LEAFY VEGGIES
Why they're super: These vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates and packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C.
What to eat: Spinach, collard greens, kale and broccoli are all good examples of dark-green, leafy vegetables.
FISH
Why they're super: Certain types of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
What to eat: Fish rich in omega-3 include herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and trout. Choose fish that are baked, broiled or grilled—not breaded and fried.
NUTS
Why they're super: Just one ounce of nuts can give you healthy fats and help you manage hunger. Nuts are also good sources of magnesium and fiber.
What to eat: One ounce of nuts equals 24 almonds, 18 cashews, 48 pistachios or 14 walnut halves.
SWEET POTATOES
Why they're super: Sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C and potassium.
What to eat: Substitute a sweet potato for a regular potato when you're craving something sweet.
TOMATOES
Why they're super: Tomatoes contain important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and vitamin E.
What to eat: Tomatoes are healthy pureed, raw or in a sauce.
WHOLE GRAINS
Why they're super: Whole grains are a great source of fiber. And they're packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, B vitamins, magnesium and chromium.
What to eat: Whole oats, quinoa, whole-grain barley, whole-wheat pasta and farro. When in doubt, check food labels and look for the word "whole" along with the first ingredient.
Myth or fact?
Do you know the truth about these five common diabetes myths?
Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Dietetic Association
Sources
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Can My Child with Diabetes Eat Nuts.” https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions/diabetes/can-my-child-with-diabetes-eat-nuts.
- American Diabetes Association. “Get Smart on Carbs.” https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/understanding-carbs.
- American Diabetes Association. “What Superstar Foods are Good for Diabetes?” https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/eating-well/diabetes-superstar-foods.
Managing diabetes can be a challenge. Whether you've been living with the disease for years or have recently been diagnosed, the right tools and information can make all the difference.
Diabetes care is available at several University Health locations. No matter where you receive care, you'll see a specialist focused on your needs in a center designed for testing, education and personalized care.
Our approach to diabetes care
At UH, we specialize in diabetes care. We also understand that each person is different. That's why we provide one-on-one support to help empower people to manage the disease. Our comprehensive approach helps people live with diabetes—not plan their lives around it.
We offer:
- A patient resource center with computer access.
- Tele-visits for online communication with your care physician.
- A diabetes education classroom.
- Large rooms for group or individual training.
- A waiting room created for your comfort.
- Spacious exam rooms with access to electronic health records.
- We teach people about technology that can help them handle their diabetes. These tools include continuous glucose monitors and/or insulin pumps which might even link to your smartphone.
Diabetes classes
Education is the key to proactively managing diabetes. That's why we offer a variety of classes at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center. We have three certified diabetes educators and partner with registered dieticians for our classes. Our diabetes education program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetic Self-Management Training (DSMT) Accreditation Program is free to Medicare participants with diabetes to better manage and control their conditions. Maintaining good glycemic control can help reduce the risk of complications from diabetes such as blindness, lower extremity amputations and kidney disease.
We provide one-on-one instruction as well as group sessions. Classes cover many areas that can help people manage their diabetes. Topics include nutrition, lifestyle changes, monitoring blood glucose and understanding insulin. We schedule sessions based on patient needs.
Your diabetes care team
Our physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses are specially trained. We're focused on diabetes. And we're passionate about helping people with the disease.
Our doctors are board-certified in endocrinology and internal medicine. We are also a fully accredited endocrinology teaching facility. This means our physicians are trusted instructors. Along with treating patients, they also guide students and other doctors. The focus is on the most effective ways to manage diabetes.
In addition to the diabetes team, our patients benefit from the expertise of many other specialists. For example, we often team up with ophthalmology, podiatry and cardiology. And we work with a pharmacist who helps patients find the medications they need—and take advantage of any special pricing that may be available. These partnerships help us provide the best care.
Communication between healthcare provider and patient is especially important when managing a condition like diabetes. Our goal is always to understand our patients and their concerns. We offer translation services to help with this. And our physicians also speak several languages, including Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Arabic and Hindi.
Contact the diabetes center
New patients are always welcome. A referral from your physician is a good idea. But if you don't have a referral, call us at 816.404.4070. We are here to serve and can help connect you to care.