It also lowers blood sugar levels after meals and improves glucose tolerance. Fiber also reduces the amount of medication required to control blood sugar. Foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, beans, and apples are especially valuable because soluble fiber decreases LDL and total cholesterol blood levels. Fiber increases the excretion of lipids from the body by binding the bile acids, lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the intestinal tract. The fiber in beans play an important role in the diabetic diet, because it prevents the usual high blood glucose peak caused by simple sugars and refined starches.
Whole grains are higher in both fiber and nutritional value than refined grains.
Isolated fibers, such as bran, may increase the loss of important minerals from the intestinal tract, whereas whole grains contribute vital minerals. Whole fresh fruits are better than fruit juices because the whole fruit has more fiber and less concentration of simple sugars. Persons should gradually increase their fiber intake in order to minimize abdominal cramping, discomfort and loose stools. Even though alcohol does not require insulin for its metabolism, it is not recommended for diabetics, especially those with pancreatitis, nerve damage, or abnormal blood lipid levels. In sensitive individuals alcohol may elevate blood triglycerides.