Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of serum glucose and excretion of glucose in the urine. The condition is characterized by reduced production of the hormone insulin or reduced sensitivity to insulin. This reduces the absorption of glucose by the various body cells, from the blood which in turn increases blood sugar levels.
Diabetic Diets: Food and Diabetes
Diabetes and diet go hand in hand. Following a diabetic diet, significantly help keep blood sugar levels in control and prevent spiking or extreme oscillations. The following dietary considerations assist in the management of diabetes and prevent the occurrence of grave complications.
The principal recommendation is to consume foods that have a low glycemic index and to eliminate all foods from the diet that have high glycemic indices. Kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, peas, soy, oats, bran, apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, prunes, skimmed milk, soy milk, celery, broccoli, aubergines, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach and tomatoes can be consumed liberally. They have low glycemic indices and provide loads of dietary fiber. They aid in improving glucose tolerance and increase insulin sensitivity and detoxifies the body.
Diabetic Diet Meal Plan
The diabetes diet plan should lay emphasis on raw foods. Let fresh vegetables and fruits be the mainstay of the diet. Avoid fruit juices and consume the whole fruit instead.
The diabetes diet menu must eliminate saturated fats and trans fats, refined and processed foods, canned and tinned foods, cookies, muffins, wafers, crisps and fries.
Never consume a heavy meal. Make sure that the diabetes diet plan comprises of six to eight small-sized meals through the day. Consuming a heavy meal causes the sugar level in the blood to spike. A low carb diabetic diet prevents excessive blood sugar fluctuations.
Never stay hungry for too long. Make sure that a snack is had every three hours. Opt for fresh salad, soup or fruits. They supply ample dietary fiber which makes one feel satiated, helps improve glucose tolerance and aids in weight loss.
Diabetics have a tendency to hypoglycemic attacks, so it is prudent to always keep a candy or a sweet for an emergency.
Diabetic Diets to Lose Weight
Weight loss is a crucial part of a diabetes diet plan. Obesity is the chief reason for the development of insulin resistance, and in most cases, achieving significant weight loss is associated with the restoration of normal blood glucose level. Attaining an ideal body weight helps keep the serum glucose level in check and demonstrates significant positive benefits on the sugar level.
Other Recommendations for Effective Treatment of Diabetes
Regular exercise is very important to accomplish weight reduction and good blood sugar control. A graded exercise program should be developed based on the individual’s fitness level, medical history and interest and should focus on improving the cardiac health. Half an hour of exercise done three times a week is advocated.
Another area to be tackled is stress. Adequate and optimum stress management is important for a normal blood sugar profile. Stress is the biggest contributing and triggering factor for diabetes and handling it well will have immense health benefits.
Reference:
Diabetes Care, A Low Glycemic Diet Significantly Improves the 24-h Blood Glucose Profile in People with Type 2 Diabetes,Brynes, A. E., Lee J. L., Brighton,R. E, , 2003
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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