At the present time there are no proven cures for either Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, both of which are deadly. Even so, sufferers of either version of diabetes are generally able to enjoy a high quality of life with proper treatment. Perhaps the most important factor in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is following a nutritious and appropriate diet.
Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease in which cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream and renders the body unable to use it to produce energy in the normal manner. At some point, the internal systems are not putting out any insulin. While those with Type 1 diabetes have no choice but to take daily insulin injections, they can further improve their management of the disease by making dietary adjustments in addition to the insulin treatments.
Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. There is a balance that must be maintained between the amount of carbohydrates consumed, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for maintaining the proper levels of glucose (blood sugar). When diet, insulin and activity are out of balance, there will be large fluctuations in glucose levels. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes who take fixed doses of insulin every day should make sure that the carb content of their daily meals and snacks is consistent as well.
With Type 2 diabetes, the problem lies not in the body's production of insulin, but in it's response to insulin. Type 2 has been shown to be at least partially connected to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Therefore, nutritional goals for those with the Type 2 form of diabetes are somewhat different as well. With Type 2 diabetes the primary focus becomes losing weight and being sure not to gain it back. Of all Type 2 diabetics, an astounding eighty to ninety percent are overweight. Meal planning for these people should involve reducing their calorie intake, eliminating or cutting down on foods high in saturated fat, an even distribution of carbohydrates, and the replacement of some carbohydrates high in saturated fat with healthier monounsaturated fats like peanut butter, almonds, and other types of nuts. In addition to helping with weight control, this will also help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
Following this diet along with increasing the level of physical activity will reduce insulin resistance, and improve glucose control as well as aiding in weight loss. Generally, the best carbohydrate foods to eat would be the high fiber types of grains, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, rather than simple sugar items. On occasion, one still might eat foods with a lot of sugar, such as birthday cake, for example. But make sure when you enjoy a day like this, you regulate your intake of the quality carbs as well, thereby guaranteeing that the balance is maintained which will keep sugar levels stable. By doing this, you will preserve the correct healthy ratio between sugar and total calories. - 30310
Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease in which cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream and renders the body unable to use it to produce energy in the normal manner. At some point, the internal systems are not putting out any insulin. While those with Type 1 diabetes have no choice but to take daily insulin injections, they can further improve their management of the disease by making dietary adjustments in addition to the insulin treatments.
Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. There is a balance that must be maintained between the amount of carbohydrates consumed, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for maintaining the proper levels of glucose (blood sugar). When diet, insulin and activity are out of balance, there will be large fluctuations in glucose levels. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes who take fixed doses of insulin every day should make sure that the carb content of their daily meals and snacks is consistent as well.
With Type 2 diabetes, the problem lies not in the body's production of insulin, but in it's response to insulin. Type 2 has been shown to be at least partially connected to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Therefore, nutritional goals for those with the Type 2 form of diabetes are somewhat different as well. With Type 2 diabetes the primary focus becomes losing weight and being sure not to gain it back. Of all Type 2 diabetics, an astounding eighty to ninety percent are overweight. Meal planning for these people should involve reducing their calorie intake, eliminating or cutting down on foods high in saturated fat, an even distribution of carbohydrates, and the replacement of some carbohydrates high in saturated fat with healthier monounsaturated fats like peanut butter, almonds, and other types of nuts. In addition to helping with weight control, this will also help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
Following this diet along with increasing the level of physical activity will reduce insulin resistance, and improve glucose control as well as aiding in weight loss. Generally, the best carbohydrate foods to eat would be the high fiber types of grains, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, rather than simple sugar items. On occasion, one still might eat foods with a lot of sugar, such as birthday cake, for example. But make sure when you enjoy a day like this, you regulate your intake of the quality carbs as well, thereby guaranteeing that the balance is maintained which will keep sugar levels stable. By doing this, you will preserve the correct healthy ratio between sugar and total calories. - 30310
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Diabetes is a severe health concern which can lead to devastating health problems and can even be fatal. In some cases, it can be managed through modifications to your diet. If you're looking for a diabetic diet menu or other guidelines on managing the condition, visit Diabetes Treatment.
