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Diet For Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death? Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb sugar to create energy. If your cells aren’t using the glucose, then it remains in your blood.

High blood glucose levels can cause some serious problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, nerve conditions and amputations. Fortunately, diabetes research has discovered how to create human insulin in the lab. People who can’t produce the right amounts of insulin on their own may be able to take insulin injections to help. Some people can follow a diet for diabetes to manage their condition.

However, people with type 1 diabetes don’t produce any insulin. They will have to use a syringe, pen, pump or inhaler regularly to control their disease. Type 1 diabetes accounts for ten per cent of cases, and usually occurs in children and youth.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common. People who are over 40 or over weight are especially at risk. High blood pressure or cholesterol are risk factors. When you have a close relative with type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop the condition as well. People of Asian, Aboriginal, African or Hispanic descent are more prone to diabetes.

When you have high blood sugar levels, you can feel extremely tired. You may need to urinate more than usual, or feel especially thirsty. Your weight may change. You may find you are getting cuts and bruises that don’t seem to heal very quickly. You may get frequent or recurring infections. You may experience sexual problems and erectile dysfunction.

People with type 2 diabetes can sometimes control the disease by sticking to a diet for diabetes. You need to limit the amount of carbohydrates in your diet to less than 60 per cent. Carbohydrates include grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You should ingest them with other foods such as proteins, fiber, and fats. There is no particular diet for diabetes. Your doctor will usually suggest you get help planning your meals from a registered dietician. They’ll help you learn which foods to include in meals and snacks, and when to eat what. When you have diabetes, food containing sugar can still be part of a healthy diet. However, you need to watch how much you eat, and when you ingest it. A dietician will help you understand how you can exchange certain foods for other foods to ensure you are still eating a well rounded diet.

Sometimes you can have high blood sugar if you have missed an insulin injection or ate too much food. Stress and illness can also be a factor. Perhaps you aren’t exercising enough. It is also important to lose weight.

If you find that following a diet for diabetes isn’t enough, then you will have to take insulin as well. You can monitor your blood sugar levels with a blood glucose meter. Your doctor will set you up with a testing kit. You will have to use it regularly to ensure healthy blood sugar levels. Your doctor will also help determine how much insulin you will need.

Insulin is not a diabetes cure. You can, however, keep your blood glucose levels under control. You should stick to a diet for diabetes, test your blood regularly, and use insulin if necessary. Many people find they feel a lot healthier and more energetic once they start following a diabetes treatment regimen.

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