A proper diabetic diet

A proper diabetic diet includes a balance of high protein, low fat and complex carbohydrates like whole grain cereals, whole
wheat flour and vegetables which are digested  more slowly and ,therefore, don't cause rapid rise in blood sugar.

Foods with low glycaemic index that increase the blood sugar gradually are recommended for diabetics.

Foods with low glycaemic index include:
Bitter gourd ( karela ), leafy vegetables, papaya, orange, lentils and legumes with skin intact, whole grain cereals, bran,
pulses, sprouted moong and grams.

Fenugreek ( methi )   seeds contain  an alkoloid called trigonelline, which lowers blood sugar, and prevents diabetes induced
cataract. It also lowers cholestrol and triglycerides.

Bitter gourd juice is a popular remedy for diabetics in tropics. 50ml karela juice daily improve blood glucose tolerance in
non-insulin dependent diabetics.

60gm of dietary fibre is beneficial for diabetics as it delays carbohydrate absorption, slows down the rise of blood sugar and
so reduce the drug requirement.
Complex cereals like whole wheat, whole wheat noodles, bajra, jowar, ragi, wheat bran, rice bran and barley are all rich in fibre.

Dals like tur, moong, rajma,are recommended as are vegetables like cabbage, brinjal, cluster beans, spinach and methi.

Choose fruits with low sugar and high water content like water melon and pineapple but only one serving of fruit at a time.

Off the menu:
  Following foods escalates the blood sugar levels almost instantly.
  Deep fried and high fat foods like meat, eggs and diary.
  Honey, jaggery, jam, refined sugar and jellies.
  Alcohol
  Desserts chocolates, puddings, pies and ice cream.