WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes can be defined as the condition where too much sugar is present in the blood due to a lack of insulin in the body. Basically, diabetes is a disease that occurs when the blood sugar level is too high and the body is unable to produce or respond to the hormone insulin which results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and raised sugar levels in the blood and urine.
WHAT IS A DIABETIC DIET?
A diabetes diet includes eating healthy foods in proper amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes.
A diabetes diet is basically eating and maintaining a healthy diet plan that is rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements of diabetes diet are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best diet plan for most everyone.
WHY DO WE NEED A HEALTHY DIABETES DIET?
If anyone has diabetes or pre-diabetes, the doctor will likely recommend that one see a dietitian help to develop a healthy-diabetes diet plan. The plan helps us to control our blood sugar (glucose), manage our weight, and control heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high blood fats.
When anyone eats extra calories and fat, the body creates an undesirable rise in blood glucose. If the blood glucose level isn’t kept in check, it can lead to other serious problems, such as hyperglycemia, if it persists, may lead to long-term complications such as kidney, nerve, and heart damage.
We can help keep our blood glucose levels in a safe range by making healthy food choices and tracking our eating habits.
For most people diabetes diet make it easier to control blood glucose along with weight loss and also offers other health benefits. If anyone needs to lose weight, a healthy diabetes diet provides a well-organized, nutritious way to reach one’s goal safely.
WHAT IS THE BEST DIABETES DIET?
The best diabetes diet is based on eating three meals a day at regular times. This helps us better use the insulin that our body produces or gets through medication.
Our Specialty Care Clinics dietitian specialist can help you to put together a diet based on your health goals, tastes, and lifestyle. He or she can also talk with our dietitian specialist about how to improve eating habits, such as choosing portion sizes that suit the needs of your size and activity level.
NUTRITIOUS FOODS INCLUDED IN DIABETES DIETS ARE –
1.Healthy carbohydrates
During digestion, simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates break down into blood glucose. Focus on healthy carbohydrates, such as :
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes, such as beans and peas
- Low-fat dairy products.
Avoid less healthy carbohydrates, such as soft drinks with added fats, sugars, and sodium.
2.Fiber-rich foods
A diabetes diet includes fiber contains all parts of plant foods that our body can’t digest or absorb. Fiber moderates how our body digests and helps control blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber include :
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Legumes, such as beans and peas
- Whole grains
3.Heart-healthy fish
- Eat heart-healthy fish at least twice a week. Fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent heart disease.
4.Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
Foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels. These include :
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Canola, olive, and peanut oils
But don’t overdo it, as all fats are high in cholesterol.
FOODS TO AVOID IN DIABETES
Diabetes increases our risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and hardened arteries. Foods containing the following can be avoided -.
- Saturated fats- Avoid animal proteins and high-fat dairy products.
- Trans fats- Avoid trans fats found in baked goods, processed snacks, shortening, and stick margarine.
- Cholesterol- Cholesterol sources include high-fat animal proteins and high-fat dairy products.
- Sodium- Aim for less than 2,200 mg of sodium a day. A doctor may suggest you aim for even less if you have a high blood pressure problem.
CONCLUSION
Taking a healthy diet is the best way to keep blood glucose levels under control and prevent diabetes complications. Aside from managing diabetes, a diabetes diet offers other benefits, too. Because a diabetes diet recommends huge amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, hence it is likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. And consuming low-fat dairy products can also reduce your risk of low bone mass in the future.
As we understand how important a diabetes diet can be. Our experts at Specialty Care Clinics are always there to help you to maintain your blood sugar level. Our specialist provides you with the best diabetes diet plan. If any of you need a diabetes diet plan and consultation, connect with us at 469-545-9983.