Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin or it does not produce enough insulin to use glucose effectively. Food choices have a great effect on diabetes, especially because some foods that contain carbohydrates cause blood-sugar levels to increase quickly. Several diabetes diet books provide recipes and practical advice for managing diabetes.
"The Essential Diabetes Diet Book"
The Mayo Clinic publishes "The Essential Diabetes Diet Book," which contains information on preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes. This book also contains recipes that help diabetics control their blood-sugar levels and prevent the complications associated with diabetes. The Mayo Clinic explains that there is no specific diabetes diet, just a good combination of foods that help control this disease. This title also includes information on weight loss and medications to control diabetes.
"Shopper's Guide to GI Values 2010"
Diabetics rely on the glycemic index to determine if a food will increase blood-sugar levels too quickly. This index ranks foods that contain carbohydrates based on how quickly they cause glucose levels to increase. "Shopper's Guide to GI Values 2010" contains the glycemic index for more than 1,000 foods, making it easier for diabetics to buy foods that will not cause diabetes complications. Co-authors Jennie Brand-Miller and Kaye Foster-Powell developed a glycemic index of 750 foods that originally appeared in a 2002 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." This book expands on that list and contains updated values for fresh and prepared foods.
"What Do I Eat Now?"
Receiving a diabetes diagnosis changes the lives of those who have this disease. Those who want to control their glucose levels and prevent complications must alter their eating habits, which presents a challenge. "What Do I Eat Now?" acknowledges this challenge and gives diabetics the information they need to control diabetes through diet. Authors Patti B. Geil and Tami A. Ross, both registered dietitians, include information on managing diabetes, making better food choices and planning healthy meals.
"15-Minute Diabetic Meals"
Because diabetes control relies so heavily on making good food choices, some diabetics worry that they will have to spend hours cooking to create healthy meals. "15-Minute Diabetic Meals," written by Nancy S. Hughes and published by the American Diabetes Association, has more than 200 recipes that take no more than 15 minutes to prepare. The American Diabetes Association website explains that these recipes involve the use of pre-cut vegetables and pre-cooked meats to reduce preparation times.
"Quick & Easy Diabetic Recipes for One"
Some diabetic cookbooks include recipes that make enough food for several people. Single people with diabetes need recipes that will produce just enough food for one meal so that they do not have to waste food or eat the same meal several times in one week. "Quick & Easy Diabetic Recipes for One," written by dietitians Kathleen Stanley and Connie Crawley, contains more than 100 recipes for one person. The recipes in this book include soups, stews, breakfasts, desserts, side dishes and other meals, according to the American Diabetes Association.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Book
- "Shopper's Guide to GI Values 2010"; Brand-Miller, J. and Foster-Powell, K.; March 2010
- American Diabetes Association: What Do I Eat Now?
- American Diabetes Association: 15-Minute Diabetic Meals
- American Diabetes Association: Quick & Easy Diabetic Recipes for One, 2nd Edition
