Top 20 Power Foods for Diabetes

Can people with diabetes prevent the onset of diabetic eye disease? During Diabetic Eye Disease Month, Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers wants to draw attention to the link between diet and diabetes. Recent research shows that diet is an integral part of diabetes prevention and control. According to Prevent Blindness America, 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older suffer from diabetic eye disease and that number continues to increase substantially every year (especially among children). Diabetic Living magazine recently named the “Top 20 Power Foods for Diabetes” prevention:

• Asparagus
• Blueberries
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Red Grapefruit
• Carrots
• Fish
• Flaxseed
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Melon
• Nuts
• Oatmeal
• Red Onions
• Spinach
• Soy
• Tea
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt
• Watermelon

“If I had to add just three ingredients to a patient’s diet that are inexpensive and abundant, it would be carrots, apples and oatmeal, because they all have a direct effect on glucose (or blood sugar) levels,” said Dr. Steven Bloom, ophthalmologist with Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers.

Carotenoids found in orange produce like carrots help reduce insulin resistance. The high-fiber apple can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease which is a leading diabetes complication that is often caused by high cholesterol. The good news is that one medium-sized apple supplies half of the daily fiber you need – 12 percent of the recommended 25 grams needed per day. Oatmeal helps lower cholesterol, improves blood pressure and stabilizes blood glucose by slowing digestion.

Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers see thousands of patients every year, a large percentage are treated for diabetes-related diseases of the eye. Most of which is Type-2 diabetes acquired later in life due to lifestyle factors such as diet