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The Diabetic Diet

Diabetes is a disease that can often be controlled, or at least managed, using nutrition. The diabetic diet must focus on foods that influence blood sugar levels. The food choices depend on the type of diabetes and medications used. Some diabetics use diet as their main disease control mechanism, while others combine medications and a diabetic diet to manage the disease.

Type II Diabetes

Some people with type II diabetes are able to control the disease with diet and exercise alone. Others with this disease need medication to help manage their blood glucose levels. Type I diabetics, due to their body's inability to produce the insulin, need medication to control their disease. All of these groups benefit from a good diabetic diet.

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A diabetic who is using only diet and exercise to control their condition should limit simple carbohydrates, especially sugars. There are many theories out about how many carbohydrates to consume, since the brain needs some glucose to function properly, and to avoid ketoacidosis. The actual carbohydrate intake will vary from person to person and should be based on the individual's tolerance of certain foods. Measuring blood glucose levels before a meal and then again one to two hours after a meal will help determine how particular foods, and combinations of foods, affect the body. A blood glucose reading of 90-130 before a meal, and less than 180 one to two hours after is good management.

Diabetes and Diet

A diabetic diet should be rich in leafy green vegetables and other fibrous sources of vitamins and minerals. Processed wheat flour can be as bad as sugar in many individuals. Fruits, though high in vitamins and minerals, are also high in sugar and starches, as are many root or legume type vegetables. Many diabetics can tolerate whole wheat and bran in moderation without a large spike in blood sugar levels. The food guide pyramid is a good informational source for diabetics, although it is important to monitor overall tolerance of foods from the starches, fruits and vegetables categories and avoid the sweets section all together.

The diabetic diet should include very little refined sugar, if any, due to its tendency to cause a quick and drastic increase in blood sugar. The exception to this is hypoglycemia in a diabetic. If a diabetic on insulin shows signs of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, they need a fast acting carbohydrate. Glucose tablets, glucose gel, fruit juice, honey or sugar are all good choices to rapidly increase blood sugar and reverse hypoglycemia.

Blood Sugar Control

Protein and some fats, especially healthy omegas, should also be a part of the diabetic diet. Lean meat choices, eggs, yogurt and cheeses are good sources of protein to support muscle growth and repair. The calcium in the cheese and yogurt also help support the bones and teeth. Healthy fat sources such as fish and nuts should be added into the diabetic diet to support cardiovascular and joint health.

The most important aspect of a diabetic diet is blood sugar management and control. If a diabetic is not using medication the early stages of the diet will be centered on finding what foods cause the blood glucose to jump and which ones are tolerated. Those using medication must focus on getting the right amount of carbohydrates, and at the right times, to ensure a steady glucose level. Simple sugars should be avoided by all diabetics as much as possible in their regular diet. A diabetic diet does not mean total avoidance of all carbohydrates, or an otherwise unhealthy eating plan. It simply means a more closely monitored diet plan with regular blood glucose monitoring.

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