Living with diabetes more easily: A low-sugar diet and other helpful measures

Best fruits for diabetics: Which varieties are particularly suitable?

Fresh fruit is a valuable source of micronutrients and plant-protective substances. However, it also contains natural sugars, such as fructose and glucose. For people with diabetes, therefore, the composition of the fruit plays an important role: fibre, water content and degree of ripeness influence how quickly the sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Soft fruits perform particularly well in this regard. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries contain relatively little sugar per serving and provide plenty of fibre. Apples, pears and apricots also usually cause blood sugar to rise more moderately than very sweet fruits, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits have a favourable nutritional profile too. Their high water content and fibre ensure the sugar is absorbed more slowly.

On the other hand, grapes, very ripe bananas and dried fruit have a significantly higher sugar content. A conscious approach to portion sizes is therefore recommended.

Vegetables: A stable foundation for a diabetes-friendly diet.

In a balanced diet, vegetables should form part of every meal. Many varieties contain few carbohydrates and have little effect on blood sugar levels.

Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, chard and lamb's lettuce, are rich in minerals and phytonutrients. Cabbage vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are also particularly nutrient-rich. Zucchini, aubergines, peppers and pickles complement this selection. They contain a lot of water, fill you up quickly, can be used in many different dishes, and add variety to the menu.

Fibre from vegetables also has a positive effect: it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines, ensuring more even levels.

Practice nutrition for diabetes

Knowledge of nutrition is an important foundation. However, the real challenge in everyday life with diabetes often lies in putting this knowledge into practice. Which foods should be included in the daily diet, and how should they be prepared? How should vegetables and fruit be combined? Which dishes are light, balanced and satisfying at the same time?

A holiday at a health resort can provide new insights by offering a first-hand experience of what a metabolism-conscious diet can entail. At Menschels Vitalresort, almost all packages (excluding fasting programmes) include full board with dishes from our Vitalküche. These dishes are based on fresh, mostly plant-based, organic ingredients. A diet rich in vegetables and balanced sources of protein, with moderate use of natural sugars, creates a culinary experience that combines pleasure and mindful eating.

New ideas for your kitchen

Another approach to an adapted diet is to cook together. The regular cooking classes with chef René Steinmetzger are very helpful for participants as they learn how to prepare delicious meals from simple ingredients. The focus is on vegetable-rich recipe ideas, balanced combinations of protein, fibre and healthy fats, and practical tips for a blood-sugar-friendly kitchen. From these courses, guests get concrete suggestions for everyday life. These include new recipes and a better understanding of the effect of food on metabolism..

It's all about the right combination!

In addition to selecting individual foods, consider how they will affect blood sugar levels when combined into a meal. Fruit eaten with protein or high-quality fats is digested more slowly. Therefore, an apple with natural yoghurt or a small portion of nuts often has a more uniform effect on blood sugar levels than the fruit alone.

Even mealtimes play a role. Clear meal structures can help reduce blood sugar fluctuations. Meal breaks should be at least five hours apart.

Another important factor is physical activity, as this improves insulin sensitivity in cells and therefore has an additional supportive effect. Any physical activity promotes the absorption of glucose from the blood into the body's cells, causing blood sugar levels to fall. Regular exercise can also positively affect long-term blood sugar levels (HbA1c).

At the same time, the cardiovascular system and blood pressure improve, while the risk of complications decreases. A combination of endurance and strength training is particularly useful because, in addition to the metabolic effects, it contributes to greater well-being and physical stability.

Felke applications are a therapeutic supplement for type II diabetes mellitus and form part of a comprehensive treatment concept. They aim to activate the organism, stabilise the balance, and positively influence various metabolic parameters.

Strengthen vital holidays and community

Health progress is easier to achieve when several factors work together: a conscious diet, physical activity, medical and therapeutic measures, and interaction with like-minded individuals.

We combine all these elements in our holistic approach. Through medical care, exercise, therapy and vital organic cuisine, we create a framework in which new habits can be formed and stabilised in the long term.

In particular, a health holiday tailored to personal needs can help translate nutritional knowledge into concrete everyday experiences, especially in the case of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. This lays the foundation for sustainable change.