Diabetes is a common health condition in which maintaining a suitable diet plays an important role in supporting overall health and managing blood sugar levels. In Persian Traditional Medicine, particular attention is given to the type, quality, quantity, and timing of foods consumed by people with diabetes. A suitable diet for diabetic patients can therefore be designed according to individual needs and the traditional understanding of the body’s temperament and condition.
In this article, ACPFOOD introduces the principles of a suitable diet for diabetic patients according to Persian Traditional Medicine. We will explore recommended foods and dietary practices for different types and conditions of diabetes, including suitable choices for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, and other meals. Understanding these traditional dietary principles can help provide a more structured approach to food selection and daily eating habits for people seeking dietary guidance from Persian Traditional Medicine.
Introduction of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in many countries, and its associated health complications are among the major causes of illness and death worldwide.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. It is a disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose. This may result from insufficient insulin secretion, reduced cellular uptake of glucose, or insulin resistance in the body’s cells.
Heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, vision loss, numbness and neurological damage, and injuries that may lead to amputation are among the complications associated with diabetes. When blood glucose remains elevated over a long period, it can affect different organs and systems of the body and may lead to serious health problems.
Diabetes may develop with few noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages. Common symptoms can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and increased hunger or overeating. For this reason, paying attention to dietary habits and maintaining an appropriate eating pattern can be an important part of supporting overall health in people with diabetes. A suitable diet for diabetic patients can help provide a more structured approach to food choices and daily eating habits, and Persian Traditional Medicine places particular emphasis on selecting foods according to an individual’s condition and needs.
Types of Diabetes in Persian Traditional Medicine
In Persian Traditional Medicine, diabetes is traditionally divided into two main types: hot diabetes and cold diabetes. Each type is associated with different patterns of imbalance in the body and may have different characteristics and dietary considerations. Therefore, understanding these traditional classifications can be important when considering a suitable diet for diabetic patients according to Persian Traditional Medicine.
Hot Diabetes
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, when Safra (yellow bile) becomes burned within the body, it can transform into burned Soda (black bile) and have negative effects on various organs, including the pancreas. The predominance of Safra and Soda together is considered one of the causes of hot diabetes, which is traditionally described as causing the pancreas to become black.
Some traditional medicine references also state that hot diabetes can result from abnormal heat in the kidneys and liver or from a hot maltemperament of these organs.
According to this traditional view, because of the connection between the liver and kidneys, the absorption of water increases. The presence of excessive heat can also cause the body to become thin and weak. As a result, patients may experience excessive thirst, dryness of the mouth and lips, and frequent urination with clear urine.
From the perspective of Persian Traditional Medicine, identifying these characteristics can help guide dietary choices when developing a suitable diet for diabetic patients with a hot temperament.
Cold Diabetes
Cold diabetes is traditionally described as a type of Soda predominance. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, excessive thickness of Soda in diabetic patients can interfere with the circulation of blood to the hands and feet. As a result, the feet may experience tingling and numbness, the pulse in the extremities may become weaker, the blood vessels may become less visible, and the feet may feel cold to the touch.
Cold diabetes is traditionally considered more common among women, children, and people who are obese and fair-skinned. Stress is also considered one of the factors associated with the development of cold diabetes.
According to traditional medicine, cold diabetes can occur when excessive cold dominates the kidneys and liver or when the kidneys and liver develop a cold maltemperament. As a result, the urinary flow and the body’s fluid-excretion system may become disturbed.
Unlike hot diabetes, which is traditionally associated with increased appetite and a greater desire for water, cold diabetes is described as being accompanied by reduced appetite. Weight loss may also occur. These diabetic patients are traditionally considered more inclined toward lukewarm water, and there may be a greater possibility of liver problems and the development of cysts or fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, improper dietary habits and environmental stress have contributed to the increasing prevalence of cold diabetes in modern times. For this reason, identifying the traditional characteristics of cold diabetes can also be considered when selecting a suitable diet for diabetic patients and determining appropriate dietary habits.
Diabetes Is Caused by Three Types of Maltemperament
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, diabetes can be associated with three different types of maltemperament. Understanding these traditional classifications can help determine dietary approaches when considering a suitable diet for diabetic patients.
- Diabetes due to a moist and cold maltemperament
- Diabetes due to a hot and dry maltemperament
- Diabetes due to a cold and dry maltemperament
Suitable Diets for Different Types of Diabetes
In this section, we introduce suitable dietary approaches for different types of diabetes according to Persian Traditional Medicine. These recommendations can help readers understand how a suitable diet for diabetic patients may vary according to the type of diabetes and the individual’s traditional temperament.
Diabetic Patients with a Moist and Cold Maltemperament
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, diabetic patients with a moist and cold maltemperament may benefit from a specific dietary pattern based on their traditional temperament. The following meal plan provides examples of foods and meals that can be included in a suitable diet for diabetic patients with this type of maltemperament.
Breakfast:
- 1 glass of whey protein (Ma-ul-Jobn)
- 2 tablespoons of flixweed (Descurainia sophia)
Morning Snack:
- 1 medium sweet apple or 1 medium sweet pear
- 3 almonds
Lunch:
Rice with dill or cilantro: 10 tablespoons of cooked rice prepared with 5 grams of olive oil, according to the recipe provided below.
Or
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of suitable lunch dishes.
Note: It is better to eat pilaf twice a week and have lunch with bread on the other days of the week. If the patient becomes thirsty during the day, they can use a mixture of water and fenugreek hydrosol.
Types of Lunch
Plum Stew:
80 grams of mutton, 50 grams of onion, 15 grams of split peas, 50 grams of plums, 20 grams of fenugreek, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, and 5 grams of olive oil.
Verjuice Stew:
90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of olive oil, 15 grams of split peas, 100 grams of spinach, 20 grams of leek, 10 grams of fenugreek, and 30 grams of verjuice.
Zucchini Stew:
90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 50 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of olive oil, 100 grams of zucchini, and 10 grams of sour grape juice.
Meat and Prunes:
90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 50 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 100 grams of prunes, and 5 grams of olive oil.
Apple Stew:
90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 100 grams of apple, 50 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 25 grams of plums, 10 grams of sour grape juice, and 10 grams of rose water.
Evening Snack:
- 1 medium sweet apple or 1 medium sweet pear
Dinner:
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of suitable dinner dishes.
Types of Dinner
Barley Soup:
30 grams of peeled barley, 20 grams of coriander, 30 grams of turnip, 10 grams of purslane, 15 grams of dill, 20 grams of spinach, 60 grams of meat (chicken, rooster, or sheep), 50 grams of Bukhara plums, 5 grams of sour grape juice, 5 grams of olive oil, 50 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, and 1 gram of salt.
Vegetable Soup:
20 grams of spinach, 10 grams of jujube, 5 grams of almond powder, 30 grams of coriander, 3 grams of marjoram, 50 grams of plums, 10 grams of Syrian rhubarb, 5 grams of mint, 5 grams of parsley, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 90 grams of mutton, chicken, or rooster.
Stuffed Chicken:
90 grams of chicken meat, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of barberry, 25 grams of purslane, 50 grams of spinach, 2 grams of sumac, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Chickpea Stew:
160 grams of peas, 50 grams of onion, 30 grams of meat (sheep, chicken, or rooster), 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 20 grams of dill, 20 grams of coriander, 5 grams of olive oil, and 15 grams of lemon juice.
Before Bed:
- 6 hazelnuts
Diabetic Patients with a Hot and Dry Maltemperament
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, diabetic patients with a hot and dry maltemperament may require a dietary pattern suited to their traditional temperament. The following meal plan provides examples of foods and meals that can be included in a suitable diet for diabetic patients with a hot and dry maltemperament.
Breakfast:
- 1 glass of whey protein (Ma-ul-Jobn)
- 2 tablespoons of flixweed (Descurainia sophia)
One hour after consuming Ma-ul-Jobn:
- 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast
- 30 grams of cooked apple
- 5 grams of natural honey
Morning Snack:
Choose one of the following:
- 1 medium sweet apple
- 1 medium sweet pear
- 3 medium sweet apricots
- 100 grams of seeded sweet pomegranate
- 2 red plums
Lunch:
10 tablespoons of rice cooked with 5 grams of almond oil, served with a variety of lunch dishes according to the recipes provided below.
Or
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of lunch dishes.
Note: It is better to eat rice twice a week and have lunch with bread on the other days of the week. If the patient becomes thirsty during the day, they can use medicinal non-alcoholic barley beer. To prepare it, boil 50 grams of peeled barley in 5 glasses of water for 50 minutes. Then strain the liquid and place it in a cool location. The recommended amount is 2 glasses per day.
Types of Lunch
Grilled or Tandoori Fish (Kilka or Other Fish):
120 grams of fish, 5 grams of cinnamon, 1 gram of salt, 50 grams of spinach, 25 grams of dill, 25 grams of parsley, 10 grams of lemon juice, and 10 grams of olive oil.
Plum and Spinach Stew:
120 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 5 grams of garlic, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of olive oil, 100 grams of plums, and 100 grams of spinach.
Mung Bean Stew:
20 grams of spinach, 100 grams of pumpkin, 40 grams of peeled mung beans, 10 grams of sour grape juice, 90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Zucchini Stew:
120 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of almond oil, 100 grams of zucchini, and 10 grams of fennel.
Evening Snack:
Choose one of the following combinations:
- 1 apple or 1 pear + 6 almonds
- 7 medium sweet apricots + 6 almonds
- 250 grams of seeded pomegranate + 6 almonds
- 5 red plums + 6 almonds
Dinner:
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of suitable dinner dishes.
Types of Dinner
Grilled or Tandoori Fish (Kilka or Other Fish):
90 grams of fish, 10 grams of tamarind, 2 grams of turmeric, 25 grams of coriander, 25 grams of purslane, 3 grams of cumin, 15 grams of orange juice, 5 grams of olive oil, and 1 gram of salt.
Assorted Soup with Pomegranate Paste, Tamarind Paste, or Barberry:
60 grams of chicken meat, 5 grams of garlic, 80 grams of split peas, 1 gram of salt, 1 gram of turmeric, 50 grams of zucchini, 40 grams of purslane, 5 grams of leek, 60 grams of rice, 5 grams of almond oil, and one of the following: 10 grams of pomegranate paste, 10 grams of tamarind paste, or 5 grams of barberry.
Plum Soup:
60 grams of chicken meat, 5 grams of garlic, 80 grams of split peas, 1 gram of salt, 1 gram of turmeric, 50 grams of zucchini, 40 grams of purslane, 5 grams of leek, 60 grams of rice, 5 grams of almond oil, 5 grams of coriander, 3 grams of sumac, and 50 grams of plums.
Stuffed Chicken:
90 grams of chicken meat, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of barberry, 25 grams of purslane, 50 grams of spinach, 2 grams of sumac, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Vegetable Soup:
20 grams of spinach, 5 grams of almond powder, 5 grams of sorghum, 30 grams of cheese, 3 grams of marjoram, 50 grams of plums, 10 grams of rhubarb, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 90 grams of mutton.
Barley Soup:
30 grams of peeled barley, 30 grams of turnips, 10 grams of purslane, 20 grams of spinach, 60 grams of mutton, 25 grams of Bukhara plums, 5 grams of sour grape juice, 5 grams of almond oil, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, and 1 gram of salt.
Before Bed:
Choose one of the following combinations:
- 1 apple or 1 pear + 6 almonds
- 5 medium sweet apricots + 6 almonds
- 150 grams of seeded pomegranate + 6 almonds
- 3 red plums + 6 almonds
Diabetic Patients with a Cold and Dry Maltemperament
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, diabetic patients with a cold and dry maltemperament may benefit from a dietary pattern suited to their traditional temperament. The following meal plan provides examples of foods and meals that can be included in a suitable diet for diabetic patients with a cold and dry maltemperament.
Breakfast:
- 1 glass of whey protein (Ma-ul-Jobn)
- 2 tablespoons of flixweed (Descurainia sophia)
One hour after consuming Ma-ul-Jobn:
- 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast
- 30 grams of cooked apple
- 5 grams of natural honey
Morning Snack:
Choose one of the following:
- 1 medium sweet apple
- 1 medium sweet pear
- 3 medium sweet apricots
Lunch:
10 tablespoons of rice cooked with 5 grams of almond oil, served with a variety of lunch dishes.
Or
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of lunch dishes.
Note: It is better to eat pilaf twice a week and have lunch with bread on the other days of the week.
If the patient becomes thirsty during the day, they can use medicinal beer or a mixture of water and fenugreek hydrosol.
Types of Lunch
Grilled Fish (Kilka or Other Fish):
120 grams of fish, 5 grams of cinnamon, 1 gram of salt, 50 grams of spinach, 25 grams of dill, 25 grams of parsley, 10 grams of lemon juice, and 10 grams of olive oil.
Plum and Spinach Stew:
120 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 5 grams of garlic, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of olive oil, 100 grams of plums, and 100 grams of spinach.
Mung Bean Stew:
20 grams of spinach, 100 grams of pumpkin, 40 grams of peeled mung beans, 10 grams of sour grapes, 90 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Zucchini Stew:
120 grams of meat (mutton with chicken or rooster breast), 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of almond oil, 100 grams of zucchini, and 10 grams of fennel.
Meatballs:
120 grams of minced lamb meat, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 20 grams of leek, 10 grams of parsley, 20 grams of fenugreek, 5 grams of barberry, 3 grams of sumac, and 10 grams of almond oil.
Evening Snack:
- 1 apple or 1 pear + 6 almonds
- 7 medium sweet apricots + 6 almonds
Dinner:
2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with a variety of suitable dinner dishes.
Types of Dinner
Assorted Soup with Pomegranate Paste, Tamarind Paste, or Barberry:
60 grams of chicken meat, 5 grams of garlic, 80 grams of split peas, 1 gram of salt, 1 gram of turmeric, 50 grams of zucchini, 40 grams of purslane, 5 grams of leek, 60 grams of rice, 5 grams of almond oil, and one of the following: 10 grams of pomegranate paste, 10 grams of tamarind paste, or 5 grams of barberry.
Plum Soup:
60 grams of chicken meat, 5 grams of garlic, 80 grams of split peas, 1 gram of salt, 1 gram of turmeric, 50 grams of zucchini, 40 grams of purslane, 5 grams of leek, 60 grams of rice, 5 grams of almond oil, 5 grams of coriander, 3 grams of sumac, and 50 grams of plums.
Stuffed Chicken:
90 grams of chicken meat, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 5 grams of barberry, 25 grams of purslane, 50 grams of spinach, 2 grams of sumac, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Vegetable Soup:
20 grams of spinach, 5 grams of almond powder, 50 grams of Braghan plums, 10 grams of rhubarb, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 90 grams of mutton.
Barley Soup:
30 grams of peeled barley, 30 grams of turnips, 10 grams of purslane, 20 grams of spinach, 60 grams of mutton, 25 grams of Bukhara plums, 5 grams of sour grape juice, 5 grams of almond oil, 25 grams of onion, 2 grams of turmeric, and 1 gram of salt.
Pumpkin Ghalie:
90 grams of minced sheep meat, 100 grams of pumpkin, 5 grams of garlic, 2 grams of turmeric, 1 gram of salt, and 5 grams of almond oil.
Before Bed:
- 1 apple or 1 pear + 6 almonds
- 5 medium sweet apricots + 6 almonds
Common Master’s Prescription for Diabetes
Fenugreek seeds are traditionally used to help lower blood sugar. According to this traditional prescription, raw fenugreek seeds can be ground into a powder and consumed at a dose of 1 teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds are traditionally considered to have blood sugar-lowering properties and may therefore be included among the dietary recommendations associated with a suitable diet for diabetic patients.
According to Dr. Mohammad Taghi Mir, fenugreek seeds have a distinctive characteristic that can indicate whether they are suitable for continued use. He stated that when a person consumes powdered fenugreek seeds and does not experience a bitter taste in the mouth, this is traditionally considered an indication that blood sugar is high. When blood sugar is low, the mouth is said to develop a bitter taste, indicating that the person should not continue consuming fenugreek seeds.
Conclusion
According to Persian Traditional Medicine, a suitable diet for diabetic patients should be selected according to the individual’s condition, type of diabetes, and traditional maltemperament. As discussed in this article, diabetes may be associated with different traditional patterns, including moist and cold, hot and dry, and cold and dry maltemperaments, each of which may require different dietary considerations. Foods, meals, ingredients, and traditional dietary practices can therefore be selected according to the characteristics of each type. By understanding these traditional principles and paying attention to the quality, quantity, and combination of foods, it is possible to develop a more appropriate dietary pattern for different types of diabetic patients according to Persian Traditional Medicine.