Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to severe consequences, causing damage to a wide range of your body's organs and tissues.

• Over time, diabetes can damage various vital organs like the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves
• Adults with diabetes have a two- to three-times higher risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Combined with reduced blood flow and neuropathy (nerve damage), there is an increased chance of foot ulcers, infection, and limb amputation
• Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness in people suffering from prolonged diabetes.
• Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure
• People with diabetes are more likely to have poor outcomes for several infectious diseases, including COVID-19 (1)

It is well established that healthful eating, physical activity, and, in many cases, pharmacotherapy are the foundations of successful diabetes management. Eating suitable foods and planning each meal strategically can provide the best results regarding blood sugar management and body weight maintenance and avert the chronic health conditions associated with diabetes. (4)

Clinical studies acclaimed those diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, moderate in alcohol consumption, and lower in refined grains, red/processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages reduce diabetes risk and improve glycemic control and blood lipids in patients with diabetes. The recommended foods for diabetic people include:

Healthy carbohydrates sourced from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, such as beans and peas.

Low-fat dairy products such as milk and cheese

Fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, such as beans and peas, and whole grains

Protein Foods consisting of lean protein, such as poultry and fish

'Good' fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in Avocados, Nuts, Canola, olive, and peanut oils. (3) (4)

A protein-rich diet can be beneficial for both diabetes and prediabetes as it improves glycemic control, aids in satiety and preservation of lean body mass during weight loss, and facilitates the older adult's increased protein requirements. The recommendations for protein intake are based on individual assessment and consideration of other factors and parameters, such as age, gender, genetics, glycemic index, and clinical conditions like kidney disease, hypertension, overweight, and obesity. However, in general, 20–30% of total energy intake as protein is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. (2) (4)