Proper diet is very important for people suffering from
diabetes. It is recommended that the diet of diabetes patient should be
high in fiber and low in fat. Diabetes diet is not a special food that is
packaged by a pharmaceutical company and can be purchased off the shelf.
Neither is it a complicated dieting plan. It is just a healthy eating
habit which emphasizes on fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Diabetes
diet can also be practiced by healthy people who want to lead a healthy
lifestyle.
History Of Diabetes Diet
During the early days before the discovery of insulin, doctors would
recommend diabetes patient to consume a low-calorie diet. It is more to
prevent ketoacidosis, which is caused by high concentrations of ketone
bodies. This was due to the breakdown of amino acids and deamination of
amino acids by our body. The low-calorie diet didn't actually cure
diabetes but it did prolong the life of the patient quite a bit.
Establish A Good Eating Habit
You should establish a regular eating habit for your meals and snacks. As
far as possible, avoid ad hoc eating habit because it is difficult to
control what goes into your stomach. Always eat the healthiest food in the
right amount. Excessive amounts are also not good for the body.
If you are taking diabetes medication or insulin, your eating habits will
have to be stricter. Eat only the right amount of servings from each food
group. You could talk to your doctor if you have difficulty with your
diabetes diet. He will probably recommend a dietitian who can tailor your
diabetes diet to your lifestyle.
Carbohydrates In Your Diabetes Diet
The American Diabetes Association recommends that carbohydrates should
form 60% to 70% of the total caloric intake. This is somewhat
controversial because some studies have suggested a low carbohydrate diet.
It is best to work out your diabetes diet with your dietitian. Try to plan
your diabetes diet to have the same amount of carbohydrate at each
mealtime to maintain an ideal blood sugar level right through the day.
Exchange List In Diabetes Diet
The "exchange scheme" was introduced in the 1950 by the American Diabetes
Association. The purpose or intent is to allow patients to swap or
exchange food of the same caloric value with another of similar value. For
example, you may eat more cake and reduce on the potatoes at dinner time.
The exchange list is not so popular with current dietitians. They are more
likely to introduce diabetes diet that includes a wide range of fruit,
vegetables and one that has a high fibre content and low in sugar and
saturated fat.
Conclusion
To minimize the risk of diabetes complication, we must practice a healthy
eating habit. This is the most logical way to maintain an ideal blood
sugar level. Your diabetes diet need not be bland and boring. You could
include your favorite food by balancing it with other healthy nutritious
items. Be creative at your meal plan and at the same time mindful of the
effects it brings to your diabetes diet.
Exercise And Diabetes During Pregnancy:
Women that were more physically active and exercised on a regular basis prior to becoming pregnant and while pregnant are less likely to develop diabetes during their pregnancy.
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