Basics of the Diabetic Diet

by Pamela Lovy Fitness trainer The management of diabetes includes many facets: diet, exercise, medication management (whether oral medications, insulin administration, or both), and checking blood sugars regularly.

All of these are very important for keeping blood sugar levels within normal limits to prevent the complications of diabetes. Complications can include cardiovascular disease, impaired sight or blindness, neuropathy (losing the sense of feeling in extremities such as the feet), and kidney failure.

 People with diabetes should seek the advice of a physician for management of their condition. They should also speak to a dietitian to design a meal plan tailored to their lifestyle.

What Is Diabetes?

The condition is centered around a hormone called insulin. Insulin is like a key. It opens the doors to the body's cells so food that is eaten, which is broken down into glucose, can enter the cells and make energy. In one type of diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin to open the doors to the cells. In another type the body is producing plenty of insulin but the cells will not open their doors - this is insulin resistance.
The end result in either case is too much glucose in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. The excess sugar in the blood can lead to the complications of diabetes.

Why Do Diabetics Need to Watch Their Diet?

Diet is an integral part of the management of diabetes. In fact, many individuals with this condition manage their blood sugars with diet and exercise alone. It is food, most specifically carbohydrate, which is broken down into glucose, or sugar, that cannot enter the cells to produce energy. What someone eats is a part of his or her overall personal lifestyle.

A diet for diabetes, therefore, should be personalized to what each diabetic is able and willing to do. It is a good idea to meet with a dietitian to figure out a meal plan. Many insurance companies are now covering sessions with a dietitian, especially for newly diagnosed individuals.

Moderate weight loss, considered to be 10% of usual body weight, is beneficial to type 2 diabetics in that it can help lower blood sugars, fats in the blood, and blood pressure.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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