Diabetes diet
A diabetes diet needs to be followed when the person from diabetes, a metabolic disorder of the human body. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that helps produce energy in the body by burning sugar, starches, and other foods.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes Insipidus - It occurs most often in childhood or teenage, and it can be inherited. Insulin shots are advised for this type.
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus – It occurs around 35 to 40 years and constitutes up to 80 percent of the total number of diabetic patients. Oral medication, insulin injections, and following a diabetes diet are common prescriptions for treating this type.
There is a third type of diabetes, called is Gestation diabetes, and is usually found in pregnant women.
There has been an alarming increase in the number of diabetic patients all over the world in recent times. Diabetic problems arise mainly because of improper dietary and nutrition habits. Hence, a patient can benefit greatly by keeping a check on the amount of carbohydrate intake, by making small changes in lifestyle, and by following a diabetes diet.
A diabetes diet revolves around the notion of restricting certain food items and making small changes to eating lifestyle such as controlling the intake of sweet foods, fatty foods, and alcohol consumption. You should Eat meals after shorter time-gap, but take smaller amount of food in each meal; instead of eating just one or two heavy meals in a day. This helps control the blood sugar level.
One of the key ingredients to watch in a diabetes diet is carbohydrate. One should take care what types and amount of carbohydrates are being consumed. Whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables are helpful to a diabetic diet.
Experts on diabetes nutrition and diabetes diets say the disease is more than blood sugar. Patients suffering from the disease should take the matter with more consideration and should realize that blood sugar levels are only one part of the problem. A holistic approach should be taken into consideration while battling the disease; and other precautions such as regular exercise should also be addressed with equal sincerity.
The following steps can be taken when adopting a diabetes diet:
- Increase intake of starches such as starchy vegetables, read and cereal.
- Have cold cereal with no-fat milk for breakfast.
- Add cooked black beans and corn to salads to increase starch intake. Take more than 4 servings a day.
Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables every day helps greatly. Pack raw vegetables for lunch or snacks or add them to your daily recipes for variety. And as discussed earlier, eat sugars in moderation. Try not to eat them on a daily basis, instead treat yourself a dessert once every fortnight.
Soluble fibers are good for people following a diabetes diet because they help to slow down or reduce the absorption of glucose. They can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, and some seeds. Other items such as carrots and legumes are high on soluble fibers and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Cutting down on habits hampering your health such as smoking or alcohol will help improve immensely and reduce any other complications to diabetes.
Before adapting yourself to any diabetes diet consider seeing a dietitian or a doctor to develop your meal plan before you get started. Your doctor or dietician might be able to help you design a diabetes diet where you can still eat your favorite foods once in a while.
