Should Diabetics Eat Seafood?

According to the CDC, roughly 34.2 million Americans have diabetes. Another 88 million adults are considered “prediabetic.” That means approximately 1 in 3 American adults are in the danger zone of developing Type II Diabetes, while another 1 in 10 have been officially diagnosed. Living with diabetes can be a challenge, especially when it comes to your diet.

But did you know that seafood can be a healthy and tasty meal for those diagnosed as diabetic or prediabetic? Read on to learn more:bowl filled with lobster and pasta

Understanding diabetes

Every time you eat, your food is broken down into glucose (a type of sugar) which is then released into your bloodstream. The more you eat the more your blood sugar rises. Then, your pancreas steps in to release insulin which helps transfer your blood sugar into your cells to use as energy.

However, those with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin (type 1) or does not use insulin efficiently (type 2). As a result, your blood sugar stays in your bloodstream, resulting in health problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, vision loss, and more.

Thankfully, diabetes can be controlled with medications, as well as a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Seafood and diabetes

A large part in controlling your diabetes is eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Seafood is an excellent option for diabetics or prediabetics. Here are just a few reasons:

Low in carbs

Due to their problems processing insulin, people with diabetes have difficult converting glucose into energy. As such, diabetics need foods that do not add extra glucose into their system. Foods such as seafood that are low in carbohydrates can do just that.

Low in trans and saturated fats

Maintaining a low cholesterol levels as well as a healthy heart depends on a diet that is low in trans and saturated fats. That’s true for most of us, but especially those with diabetes. Thankfully, that fat you find you seafood is unsaturated, and therefore healthy.

A natural source of omega-3s

Many of us understand by now that fatty acids such as omega-3s are essential to combating high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Seafood is high in omega-3s, helping diabetics better manage their condition.

Cape Porpoise Lobster offers many types of seafood to help you achieve a healthy, well-balanced diet. Look through our website today to order your first batch of Maine seafood!