What’s the Best Diet For Diabetes?
At the present time there are no proven cures for either Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, both of which are deadly. Even so, sufferers of either version of diabetes are generally able to enjoy a high quality of life with proper treatment. Perhaps the most important factor in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is following a nutritious and appropriate diet.
Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease in which cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream and renders the body unable to use it to produce energy in the normal manner. Over time, the body will completely lose its ability to produce insulin. While those with Type 1 diabetes have no choice but to take daily insulin injections, they can further improve their management of the disease by making dietary adjustments in addition to the insulin treatments.
Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. There is a fine line that must be monitored in walking the tightrope between sugar consumption, insulin readings, and exercise in order to keep glucose levels at a safe, manageable level. When these components are not in balance, glucose levels can and will fluctuate quite a bit. Thus, those individuals who are afflicted with Type 1 diabetes must be extremely careful to ingest a consistent amount of carbohydrates in order to keep pace with their mandated insulin doses.
Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 in that it is a problem with the body’s response to insulin, rather than a problem with the production of insulin itself. Type 2 diabetes stems from being obese and overly inactive. Therefore, nutritional goals for those with the Type 2 form of diabetes are somewhat different as well. Here, the main focus should be on losing and controlling body weight. Eight to ninety percent of Type 2 diabetes sufferers are overweight; some are even obese. For these people, the dietary changes begin with reducing calorie intake, eliminating saturated fat, close monitoring of carbohydrates and incorporating healthy monounsaturated fats including nuts and peanut butter. This diet will help the Type 2 diabetic to lose weight and maintain steady, healthy glucose levels.
Changes in eating habits combined with increased physical activity will help to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control. Carbohydrate consumption should come from healthy whole grains, pasta, brown rice, beans and fresh fruit and vegetables rather than heavily processed foods. Once in a while, it is ok to splurge on some junk food as a special treat. However, on those days when cake, candy or other sweets are consumed, one must then ensure that their usual daily intake of certain carbs like rice, pasta or potatoes is adjusted accordingly as well. This will ensure that calories and carbohydrates are kept in their proper balance.
Diabetes is a serious health condition which can result in acute health issues and possibly death. In certain instances, it can be treated by making changes to your diet. If you’re looking for a gestational diabetes diet plan or other advice on managing the condition, drop by the Diabetes Treatment site.
