Diabetes is a disease that is marked by higher than normal levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. This is caused by many different things : your body's resistance to insulin, or a pancreas that doesn't generate the proper amount of insulin for you to function properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to convert glucose into energy. No matter how your diabetes is caused, you have to be able to control your blood sugar levels in order to keep yourself from falling into a diabetic coma. There has been some disagreement in the past about what constitutes the best diet for diabetics.
The common conceit for people with diabetes was that they couldn't eat sugar and carbs at all, or risk serious health problems. Sugar was considered to be the worst offender because it is more easily broken down into glucose, therefore it gets into the bloodstream faster than other carbohydrates. Many artificial sweeteners have been created as sugar substitutes for diabetics' dietary needs.
Currently, physicians understand that sugar and carbs are simply everywhere, so it is unrealistic to expect diabetics to avoid them completely. There are some brands of artificial sweeteners that don't add any calories or carbohydrates to food, but it's important to remember that just because a food is sugar-free doesn't guarantee it is safe for diabetics.
Bottom line, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for people who are not diabetics. It's a fact that the diagnosis of diabetes shouldn't prevent people from eating all of the foods they enjoy most. The thing to remember is that a diabetic's daily carbohydrate consumption should be diligently monitored. Carbohydrates consist of both sugars and starches, so foods like pasta and potatoes need to be limited just as much as sweet, sugary foods.
A diabetic's diet should also work to incorporate an increased number of vegetables and fruits. Fruit and veggies contain natural sugars that can be used by the body but are just enough unlike glucose to stop them from raising the blood glucose level. Also, they have more fiber, which is not only instrumental in helping the body get rid of waste, it also makes you feel full, which leads to lower calorie consumption.
It used to be said that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from non-diabetic meals; this is not true and has been debunked. Basically, a diet for diabetics doesn't have to be different than anyone else's in their family, as long as they are careful. All diets should be balanced, rich in fruits and vegetables, and nclude protein and a moderate amount of starches, and very little fat. - 30310
The common conceit for people with diabetes was that they couldn't eat sugar and carbs at all, or risk serious health problems. Sugar was considered to be the worst offender because it is more easily broken down into glucose, therefore it gets into the bloodstream faster than other carbohydrates. Many artificial sweeteners have been created as sugar substitutes for diabetics' dietary needs.
Currently, physicians understand that sugar and carbs are simply everywhere, so it is unrealistic to expect diabetics to avoid them completely. There are some brands of artificial sweeteners that don't add any calories or carbohydrates to food, but it's important to remember that just because a food is sugar-free doesn't guarantee it is safe for diabetics.
Bottom line, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for people who are not diabetics. It's a fact that the diagnosis of diabetes shouldn't prevent people from eating all of the foods they enjoy most. The thing to remember is that a diabetic's daily carbohydrate consumption should be diligently monitored. Carbohydrates consist of both sugars and starches, so foods like pasta and potatoes need to be limited just as much as sweet, sugary foods.
A diabetic's diet should also work to incorporate an increased number of vegetables and fruits. Fruit and veggies contain natural sugars that can be used by the body but are just enough unlike glucose to stop them from raising the blood glucose level. Also, they have more fiber, which is not only instrumental in helping the body get rid of waste, it also makes you feel full, which leads to lower calorie consumption.
It used to be said that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from non-diabetic meals; this is not true and has been debunked. Basically, a diet for diabetics doesn't have to be different than anyone else's in their family, as long as they are careful. All diets should be balanced, rich in fruits and vegetables, and nclude protein and a moderate amount of starches, and very little fat. - 30310
About the Author:
Karl writes about subjects like best diet for diabetics and diet for diabetic patients on his blog.
