Diabetic Nutrition

During the current COVID-19 crisis, everyone has had to make drastic changes in their lives. With so many things out of our control, one thing we all have command over is our nutrition. At Great Neck Family Foot Care, our expert podiatrist Dr. Hochstein always wants to help keep your feet protected. That is why he’d like to offer some tips for diabetic nutrition in quarantine so you can play an active role in staying healthy.

Nutrition and Foot Health

Everyone needs to focus on their nutrition to remain as healthy as possible. When blood sugar levels become too high, it can damage the nerves in the feet. Cuts and sores on the feet may also have a hard time closing up and healing properly, leading to infection. Managing your nutrition, even during quarantine, will help prevent the development of diabetic neuropathy.

Load Up On Fiber

Limiting the amount of time spent outside of your home will help keep you protected from infection while also flattening the curve. When you do have to make a trip to the grocery store, we recommend you stock up on foods high in fiber. Fiber helps to manage blood sugar levels, which will fight off neuropathy. Examples of the foods to focus on include: 

  • Broccoli.
  • Oats.
  • Beans.
  • Peas.
  • Apples.
  • Pears. 

Stay Lean

When cooking your quarantine meals, try to stick to recipes that are low in saturated fats. The next time you cook, consider working in the below ingredients:

  • Lean cuts of meat.
  • Low-fat dairy products.
  • Lentils.

Pick The Right Carbs 

Eating too many carbs is the perfect way to spike your blood sugar to unhealthy levels. To limit the chances of this happening, try switching over to whole grains and whole wheat products. This is an easy yet simple way to protect your feet.

Eat Good Fats 

Even after switching over to whole grains, you should still try to limit your carb intake. Switching out some carbs for healthy fats each meal is a great place to start. Instead of the carbs, place some of the below on your plate:

  • Avocados.
  • Salads with olive/canola oil-based dressings. 

Contact Us

If you’re a diabetic and begin suffering from foot problems, you must contact a podiatrist you trust right away. At Great Neck Family Foot Care, our team is well versed in dealing with the foot issues that accompany diabetes. Should you need treatment or nutritional advice during this quarantine, Dr. Hochstein will be there to help!