Diabetes is a disease that is marked by higher than normal levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. A lot of times, this higher level of glucose comes from the pancreas' ability to produce insulin at a sufficient level, or your body having an unhealthy resistance to insulin, leaving your blood sugar levels very unstable. In either case, it is important to maintain positive control over the level of blood sugar to prevent some major health problems, including the possibility of entering a diabetic coma. There has been some disagreement in the past about what constitutes the best diet for diabetics.
For years, the prevailing wisdom was that diabetics should strictly avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates. Because sugar is very easily and quickly turned into glucose in the bloodstream, it was usually thought to be the more harmful thing for the body. Now, many diabetics replace sugar in their diet with the various artificial sweeteners that have been developed.
Nowadays, that thought process has been relaxed a bit, as physicians have come to terms with a diabetic's inevitable exposure to sugar at some point. Artificial sweeteners do exist that add no carbohydrates or calories to foods, but just because a food is sugar free does not mean that it is especially safe for diabetics.
Bottom line, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for people who are not diabetics. Believe it or not, diabetics CAN continue to enjoy their favorite foods. However, this is only possible given very meticulous monitoring the amount of carbohydrates a diabetic takes in every day. Sugars and starches both are classed as carbohydrates, so dishes made with pasta and potatoes need to be downsized just the same as anything made with sugar.
Ideally, the diet should be adjusted to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. 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.
You don't have to make one meal for the diabetic and another meal for the remaining family members. The fact is that the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for the rest of the family. All diets should be balanced, rich in fruits and vegetables, and nclude protein and a moderate amount of starches, and very little fat. - 30310
For years, the prevailing wisdom was that diabetics should strictly avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates. Because sugar is very easily and quickly turned into glucose in the bloodstream, it was usually thought to be the more harmful thing for the body. Now, many diabetics replace sugar in their diet with the various artificial sweeteners that have been developed.
Nowadays, that thought process has been relaxed a bit, as physicians have come to terms with a diabetic's inevitable exposure to sugar at some point. Artificial sweeteners do exist that add no carbohydrates or calories to foods, but just because a food is sugar free does not mean that it is especially safe for diabetics.
Bottom line, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for people who are not diabetics. Believe it or not, diabetics CAN continue to enjoy their favorite foods. However, this is only possible given very meticulous monitoring the amount of carbohydrates a diabetic takes in every day. Sugars and starches both are classed as carbohydrates, so dishes made with pasta and potatoes need to be downsized just the same as anything made with sugar.
Ideally, the diet should be adjusted to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. 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.
You don't have to make one meal for the diabetic and another meal for the remaining family members. The fact is that the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for the rest of the family. 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 loves to blog about subjects like diet for diabetic patients and diet for diabetics on his blog.
