Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about diabetes and how to manage it. Previously, we talked about how weight loss is one of the best ways to manage type 2 diabetes. Eating the right diet is important for managing diabetes, as well as for losing weight.
Research has shown that a diet high in fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains is effective for lowering blood sugar levels. However, a high-fiber diet may reduce the amount of calcium the body absorbs. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones. Dr. Abhimanyu Garg, a nutrition and diabetes expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the best thing to do is find food sources rich in both fiber and calcium. That includes spinach, broccoli, figs, papaya, artichoke, okra, beans, mustard and turnip greens, and cactus pads. You should talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before adjusting your diet because excess calcium can lead to kidney stones.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/endocrinology to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in endocrinology.
