Diabetes, a chronic illness that has affected a majority of the population around the globe, is a group of metabolic diseases where the person experiences high blood glucose or blood sugar. This happens due to inadequate insulin production or the cells in the body do not respond appropriately to insulin. Patients, who are diagnosed with high blood sugar, tend to keep eating a lot as they constantly feel hungry. Storing healthy foods in the refrigerator would help the diabetic to have control over their eating desires and cravings too.

Storing diabetes-friendly foods in the middle rack of the fridge tends to be more useful for patients. According to research by the University of Illinois, an individual is three times more likely to reach for food that is kept on the middle shelf. Choose items that can be consumed by a diabetic patient and place them in the middle shelf. This would help diabetics reach for foods that suit their condition, rather than merely pick the ‘first-sighted’ food.

Since, diabetics tend to feel hungry at odd times, stocking up on a lot of healthy snacks in the refrigerator is important. Fruits (such as peaches, cherries, melons, and oranges) can stay fresh and are often healthy choices for a snack. Chocolate bars or nuts (like walnuts or almonds) are also healthy. Nuts contain mono-saturated fats, which is the good fat the body needs. Nuts have a longer shelf life and are loaded with a lot of antioxidants. According to research from the University of California, nuts can be stored for up to a year in the refrigerator.

Low-fat or fat-free milk and dairy products are best suited for a person with high blood sugar. Replace the regular dairy products with these low-fat dairy items so that the refrigerator contains the proteins and calcium needed for the diabetic. According to research by National Dairy Council, dairy consumption is linked with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. With proven research, dairy can be on the top list of refrigerator food items. Other protein-rich goodies for diabetics include eggs, fish (canned salmon and water-packed tuna), and broth-based vegetable soups.

Sugar-sweetened beverages must be replaced with lime juice or any fresh fruit juice, or even tomato juice. One can also stock up on unsweetened iced tea and plain yogurt, which people affected by diabetes can consume without fear of piling up on the sugar content. For a diabetic, non-starchy vegetable consumption is a must. Common examples of non-starchy vegetables are Chinese spinach, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, collard, kale, turnip, tomato, and the kind. These types of vegetables have about 5 grams of carbohydrates in a half cup cooked form, or one cup raw form. Stocking these vegetables in the refrigerator would allow the affected individuals to keep a check on their sugar levels.

Another important point for a diabetic to note is that they hide their comfort foods, such as fried chicken, pie, pasta, and smoothies, behind the healthy foods. This would help them to choose healthy foods first and wire their brain accordingly, to avoid foods that are not suited for diabetics.