Monday, 19 August 2013

Designing And Implementing An Effective Diabetes Diet

By Peter Jenkins


The symptoms of diabetes are controllable for the most part, but its effects can be severe and may progressively get worse, even when drugs are being taken to control the symptoms. Issues that can occur are impaired circulation, kidney disease, vision issues, damage to the nerves, damage to the skin, and a stroke or heart attack. This is why a diet that supports good overall health is considered a really good diabetes diet as well.

Healthy Diabetes Diet Considerations

1. Consume plenty of fiber

Fiber helps to maintain the health of the body. You likely know that fiber helps with digestion, but fiber also has been proven to lower heart disease, which can be an issue for diabetics. It is interesting to note that even though fiber is a carbohydrate (similar to starches and sugar), it does not raise your blood glucose levels because it not broken down by the body and digested.

Most foods that are fiber-dense are also very healthy. For instance, fruits, vegetables and whole grains all have natural fibers built right into them. If fiber is present in processed foods, this is because it is added during the production process.

2. Limit Sugar Intake

Although the amount of sugar that a diabetic should ingest varies based on individual blood glucose response, sugar is an unhealthy addition to any diet. Sugar has been associated with cancer, premature aging, and weight gain. Studies have shown that sugar-laden drinks are linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes. As such, the American Diabetes Association strongly recommends limiting sugar-filled beverage intake.

3. Low Protein

A diabetes diet that includes only moderate amounts of protein is necessary for protecting the kidneys. Given that diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure, it is vital to protect your kidneys as much as you possibly can. Diabetes contributes to the failure of the kidneys by damaging the capillaries and nerves that support the kidneys through increased blood sugar. Excessive amounts of protein places stress on these organs, given that the kidneys will have to excrete wastes that have been derived from protein.

4. Low Saturated Fat

Having diabetes gives you yet another reason to avoid saturated fat. These types of fats are known to cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and can even diminish insulin response. Additionally, when saturated fats are lowered, there is usually an increased intake of monounsaturated fats, which is very beneficial for both heart health and your health overall.

A diet that includes the above four guidelines has the ability to prevent chronic diseases and support good health. In addition, it can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. As far as a diabetes diet, the rules can vary depending on how much restriction is required to control personal lipid levels and blood glucose, however, most people will benefit by following these guidelines fairly strictly.




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