Dec 23, 2025
Traditional foods can be a part of healthy eating to manage diabetes. Find out how you can connect to your culture through food and manage your blood sugar, tonight on House Call, as we talk with a medical professional from UHC.
1). Does having diabetes mean that I have to give up all the foods that I love and grew up with?
Many people connect to their culture through the foods they eat. Food is an important piece of culture passed down from generation to generation. It’s hard to feel like you might have to give up your history to manage your health. The good news is, you can still enjoy favorite cultural foods and manage your diabetes too.
2). Are there some cultural foods that we should embrace?
Many traditional ingredients have always been healthy and versatile. For example:
Leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and spinach can help manage your blood sugar. Quinoa is a popular “health food.” It’s a great source of fiber and has many health benefits, especially for people with diabetes.
Beans, peas, and lentils are an important part of healthy eating and commonly found in world cuisines. These would include beans such as lima, navy, pinto, and black beans, as well as lentils and chickpeas. These legumes provide protein and fiber, which can help you lower your cholesterol and manage your blood sugar.
Healthy eating is about making the foods you love fit your health goals. For example, say your favorite dish is arroz con pollo (chicken and rice). You can use skinless chicken breast with brown rice or cauliflower rice. These swaps are healthier, while maintaining the spices and flavors of the dish.
3). Can your health care team help you with meal planning?
Yes, your diabetes meal plan will be specific to your needs. Talk to your health care team about your diabetes goals, culture, and traditional foods. They can help you design a meal plan that’s nutritious and culturally rich. Here are a few things you may want to discuss:
- Your health-related values and beliefs.
- How culture plays a role in your eating habits.
- Ways to involve your family with preparing diabetes-friendly meals.
- How to adjust your favorite meals to fit your needs.
- Portion sizes that are right for you.
Changing the way you eat can be tough at first. But having diabetes doesn’t mean giving up who you are. With some small changes, you can still enjoy your favorite things.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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