If you have diabetes, most likely you are taking all necessary steps to keep you blood glucose levels under control. And that is wise because if your blood sugar rises too high or drops too low, your body will tell you about it right away in quite an unpleasant way. Besides, there are many potential long term consequences of unmanaged blood glucose levels that are in your best interest to avoid at all costs.

However, your blood sugar levels is not the only thing you need to keep under control for successful diabetes management. Your cholesterol level also requires your attention. Keeping LDL cholesterol low is great for every person. But if you have type-2 diabetes, it is especially important because this disease is often associated with unhealthy levels of low-density lipoprotein, which is usually called “bad” cholesterol. Unfortunately, it’s common for people with diabetes to develop cholesterol-related problems, even if they control their blood sugar levels fine.

So, why is LDL cholesterol dangerous for your health? There are actually two types of cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). The LDL is commonly known as “bad” because it accumulates in your bloodstream and interferes with normal blood flow, which can lead to atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. The HDL, which is often called “good” cholesterol, removes “bad” cholesterol from your arteries by carrying it to your liver for disposal from your body.

Your diet plays a major role in managing your cholesterol levels. Eating foods that keep cholesterol in the normal range will help prevent LDL cholesterol related health issues. Foods that help lowering LDL cholesterol include fish, apples, avocado, eggplants, garlic, kale, lentils, oats, okra, barley, soy, nuts, dark chocolate, olive oil, and green tea. These common foods are easy to incorporate into your diet and we have a few recipes to share with you that have them as ingredients.

Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts

This light and diabetic-friendly appetizer is great for a family or a holiday dinner. Its unique gourmet taste will leave your guests impressed.

Oatmeal Cocktail

This is a simple and diabetic-friendly drink that is very filling, healthy and delicious!

Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberries

This diabetic-friendly dish combines all the healthiness of oatmeal and the tastiness of pancakes. Oatmeal is actually one of the best foods for protecting the heart and lowering cholesterol, which is very important in diabetes. And everybody knows about the benefits of blueberries, especially for your vision.

Lentils with Carrots and Onions

Lentils with onions and carrots is a wonderful diabetic-friendly side dish that goes well with any meat entrée, as well as with fresh salads. It is quick and easy to cook too.

Barley with Vegetables

Barley with vegetables is a very filling and diabetic-friendly side dish that can complement virtually any main course and make your dinner complete.

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Salmon with Coriander and Garlic

Easy, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and simply delicious recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to cook!

Red Lentil Soup

This is a very easy and quick to make diabetic-friendly vegetable soup that turns out hearty and very tasty! It can also be based on any broth of your choice.

Mushroom Soup with Barley

A traditional combination of mushrooms and barley turns out to serve well for people with diabetes. Because whole grain barley has a high level of magnesium and is rich in fiber, while mushrooms are low on Glycemic Index, it’s hard to find a more diabetic-friendly soup. Besides, it’s a very tasty one!

Fried Tofu with Celery and Bell Pepper

A light and easy to make diabetic-friendly dish that can make a perfect main course if you are on a vegetarian diet.

Fried Tofu with Vegetables

Tofu is one of the most diabetic-friendly foods that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Try this recipe and enjoy a nutritious and healthy meal for the whole family.