Adding exercise to the regimen will bring further benefits, because working muscles pull sugar out of the blood, even with very little insulin present. It is clear which foods help insulin to work better. Vegetables and beans are generally between 4-10 percent fat, and all are high in complex carbohydrates and natural fiber. Whole grains, such as brown rice and whole grain bread, are also very low in fat and have plenty of complex carbohydrates and fiber, so long as they are not refined into fiber-depleted white rice, white bread, etc. Fruits are very low in fat and high in fiber, although their sugars are absorbed more quickly than those in starchy plants.
Animal products provide no benefits for people with diabetes.
An optimal diet eliminates animal products completely and also keeps vegetable oils to a bare minimum. By prescribing diets using generous amounts of vegetables, grains, and bean dishes, while avoiding animal products and added oils, researchers have found that they do not need exchange lists to keep blood sugar under control, and there is no need to limit portion size. If this kind of diet is new for them, encourage them to try it very strictly for three weeks, and always refer them to a dietitian for assistance. At three weeks, the benefits are usually so obvious that patients are strongly motivated to continue. Regular exercise should be encouraged, within the limits patients can tolerate.