How to Keep Diabetes in Control Using Your Diet
Diabetes is a systemic disease or condition characterized by abnormally high levels of blood sugar, either due to the inadequate production of insulin in the pancreas, or a diminished cellular response to insulin. Insulin is precisely the hormone that catalyzes the breakdown of glucose in the blood so when it’s inadequate, blood glucose levels rise. As a patient diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to note that even though research on the subject is still promising, it would be incorrect to say that there’s a ͞cure͟ for diabetes as a fact. For both diabetes type one and two, treatment is based on management of blood sugar levels. The main goal is to keep your blood glucose in check.
How Diet Treatment Works
The main concept behind the treatment of diabetes is the maintenance of blood glucose levels within the normal range (70 -130 mg/dL). After taking a carbohydrate meal, the level of glucose in the blood is expected to rise after some hours, normally after the food passes the digestive system (including the mouth). This means that you can successfully treat diabetes (especially type 2) by adjusting your nutritional habits in terms of the amounts and types of food you include in your diet. Here are some ways you can keep diabetes in control using your diet.
1. Limit Grains and Sugars in Your Diet Diabetes mainly stems from the inability of the body to effectively keep the glucose levels in blood within the normal range. One way to avoid the problem in the first place is to watch your dietary intake of these substances. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you avoid taking starchy diets but rather limit your intake of grains and sugars, and watch the amounts of healthy carbohydrates you take. Substitute regular grains with whole grains, and keep away from too much of sugary foods, including drinks in your nutritional plan.
2. Stick to a Low-Fat Diet and Avoid Trans-Fats Keep away from diets with high amounts of sodium. Stay away from chips, French fries, and most deep-fried foods such, especially if you are fond of fast foods. Also, remember to avoid foods that elevate your cholesterol levels, especially the ones rich in trans- fats or saturated fats. These are associated with raising blood glucose levels, along with increasing the risk of other systemic issues such as hypertension, vasculitis, and stoke.
3. Take More Probiotics and Fermented Products Fermented food products and probiotic supplements are highly effective in optimizing the normal gut flora, which is part of your immune defense mechanisms. Including more low-fat yogurt, fermented fruits, low-fat cheese, and kefir in your diet can be an effective way to boost your gut flora, thus improving your digestive, immune, and metabolic systems. A stronger immune system will enhance your general overall health, leading to a better functioning body.
4. Know the Foods to Avoid In Your Diet If you are diabetic, it is important to minimize the intake of certain foods such as red meats, bacon, processed foods, and dairy products such as high-fat cheese that have a high level of fats. Additionally, try consuming plenty of fruits, omega 3-fatty acids, and fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and vegetables instead. Fish such as herring and salmon are known to be highly rich in omega 3.
5. Check Your Meals’ Frequency Your feeding frequency is also important in the treatment of diabetes. More meals in smaller amounts throughout the day can help keep your blood glucose down, unlike a few heavy meals that are more likely to trigger your high-blood sugar episodes.
Along with observing proper nutrition, be sure to increase your physical activity since the risk of developing diabetes-related complications increases with inactivity and being overweight. Making lifestyle changes, maintaining a healthy exercise routine, and working with a nutritionist as well as your medical doctor can help you have more control over your diabetes.
References
*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
