People with diabetes need to do more than just give up chocolate and biscuits; they need to change their entire eating habits. A proper diet, combined with medication, can help maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar levels, and prevent irreversible damage to the kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

Diabetes mellitus: general information

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of diseases associated with disruption of the glucose absorption process. As a result, its concentration in the blood increases significantly.

Diabetes occurs for many reasons. Some types of disease are caused by genetic predispositions, while others are related to lifestyle or environmental factors.

This disease can cause severe damage to the body. Chronic excess glucose (sugar) in the blood gradually damages blood vessel walls and can lead to impaired kidney and heart function and nerve cell death. But such complications can be prevented. The main thing is to follow the doctor's recommendations for treatment and change your eating habits.

Products permitted with restrictions
First, let’s look at what foods people with diabetes eat and accurately track their amounts and total caloric content.

1. Meat and poultry. Any kind will work: beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, chicken, turkey, etc. The main thing is that the meat is lean. Therefore, even in poultry, breasts should be preferred over legs.

2. dairy products. Kefir, drink yogurt, milk, and cheese. Strictly no added sugar. Low-salt, low-fat cheeses are allowed.

3. Vegetables. Carrots, beets, pumpkin, eggplant, squash, green beans, and broad beans. All these vegetables must be included in the diabetic menu. But remember, they contain a lot of easily digestible carbohydrates, so consumption should be controlled.

4. Beans. Only if well tolerated. Quantities are limited.

5. Potatoes. allow.  But when eating, you must strictly monitor the total amount of carbohydrates you consume every day.

6. Cereals. Buckwheat, pearl barley, barley, oatmeal, millet. The rules are the same as for potatoes: it is allowed to be included in the diet, but strict control is required.

7. Baked products. Rye and wheat breads made with secondary flour are allowed. You can have unsweetened flour products, such as pretzels. But not in addition to bread, but instead of it.

8. Fruits. The following are allowed in limited quantities:

• Citrus fruits (except lemons)—you can eat them without counting calories;

• Berries: blueberries, currants, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, cherries, and sweet cherries;

• peaches and apricots;

• Pineapple;

• Pears and apples.

Fully approved products

The list of products that can be consumed with diabetes as much as you want looks like this:

• Vegetables: cucumbers, various cabbages, celery, radishes, and horseradish; tomatoes, spinach, and sorrel; tomatoes, bell peppers; all vegetables; and lettuce;

• Fruit: lemon, cranberry, quince;

• egg white;

• Tea, coffee, rosehip infusion (strictly sugar-free).

Essential products every diabetic should have

Below is a list of essential diabetic management products that every patient should have in order to receive effective and convenient diabetes care.
1. Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit
People with diabetes need to keep track of their blood sugar levels. It helps them know when blood sugar levels are getting low or high and act accordingly. Blood glucose monitoring kits typically include:

1. Monitor that typically provides readings within 5 seconds
2. Blood glucose test strips for collecting blood samples
3. A lancet makes a puncture in the skin
4. Kit suitcase

2. Emergency food
It is highly recommended for people with diabetes to always have some diabetes-friendly foods in their purse, backpack, car, or gym locker, as their blood sugar levels may experience a sudden drop that could be life-threatening. Some emergency foods that can help maintain your blood sugar levels include:
1. Low sugar drinks, water, or green tea to stay hydrated
2. Healthy snacks that can be eaten between meals, such as fox nuts

3. Insulin Essentials
If you have a condition that requires regular insulin injections, make sure you always have the following supplies on hand:

1. Insulin: If you choose to purchase additional insulin supplies, be sure to store unopened bottles in the refrigerator.
3. Syringes: You can buy syringes in bulk, which is a good idea because you can easily get them when you need them.
4. Needles: Like syringes, you can also buy needles in bulk if possible. Additionally, you may choose to purchase an injection safety guard to ensure that the needle remains stable while injecting.