"Safe" Foods for Diabetics

My husband was diagnosed with diabetes 4 1/2 years ago. Since then I have tried helping lose weight and keep his glucose levels low. We have not had much luck, and he has been diagnosed with many other health problems as well. We are constantly looking up foods for diabetics, usually going to popular websites, but there are many questions left unanswered on the sites. The important questions to me are, "How do these foods affect blood pressure and cholesterol levels?"

Once diagnosed with diabetes a person must make major changes in their lifestyle. Lower sugar intake and losing weight is at the top of the list. While most people will understand the need to cut out donuts and soft drinks they might be mislead by food and drink labels of the not so obvious. Losing weight can be a challenge, but what foods and drinks are safe for a person with type 2 diabetes?

When a person first checks the label on diet drinks they are pleased to see all 0's down the nutritional facts. While diet sodas and sugar free energy drinks can be safely consumed without raising glucose levels, they can cause other problems by the amount of caffeine in the beverage. High caffeine can cause sleeping problems and raise a person's blood pressure. So although it may not affect diabetes directly it is giving a person with diabetes another symptom to be treated. Medicines to treat high blood pressure can cause issues while trying to control blood glucose levels. High blood pressure can also cause problems with blood circulation to the eyes, legs, feet, and the heart. So what drinks are safe and in what quantities?

Eggs are also on the "safe" food list, but not the amount or cooking methods. Most people know cooking eggs in butter is not good for cholesterol levels and will hard-boil the eggs, but there is a problem that. One egg yolk contains 2/3 of the amount of cholesterol needed for the day and over 100% the amount for a person on a low cholesterol diet. So although eggs provide a good amount of protein having more than one for a snack could be an unhealthy decision. So are eggs good for the diabetic or should they stay away?

Last but not least while shopping a person may be tempted by a low fat label or an item claiming reduced fat, but the rest of the label should be read as well. When companies cut out the fats in foods they usually are raising sugars to keep a good taste. What should be a diabetic be looking for on a food label and in the nutrition facts?