Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health epidemics in the world. It affects over 220 million people worldwide, and another 5.7 million individuals go undiagnosed each year. Therefore, the importance of diet in controlling diabetes is vital, whether you are diagnosed or undiagnosed. A healthy, well-balanced diet with regular physical activity can help control blood sugar levels, promote weight maintenance and facilitate normal functioning.
What is Diabetes?
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse defines diabetes as a metabolic disease that affects how the body uses blood glucose, more commonly known as blood sugar. When food is consumed, most of it is broken down into glucose, which is the main source of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. Insulin must be present for the glucose to enter the cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. The pancreas normally automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move the glucose from the blood into the cells. However, in people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflowing into the urine. Therefore, the body loses its main source of fuel.
Blood Glucose Level
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that blood glucose levels are different for individuals with diabetes than for those without. The target blood glucose level for people with diabetes before a meal is 70 to 130 mg/dl and less than 180 mg/dl 1 to 2 hours after a meal. It is important to remember that these are target levels. If you are diabetic, you may have varying levels that your physician considers normal based on your medical history and current condition. Checking blood glucose levels often, and even recording them, will illustrate whether the diabetes care plan is working.
Importance of Diet
Medical therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes is different, but the dietary management is the same for both. According to Net Doctor, by learning the principles of a healthy diabetic diet, you can learn what kinds of foods to eat, when to eat and how much to eat. Healthful eating facilitates well-being, weight loss, decreased blood pressure, a reduced risk for heart disease and stroke, but most significantly, good blood glucose control.
Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes
The California Pacific Medical Center reports that learning what to eat and how different foods affect the body is an important part of a diabetic diet, because food choices significantly affect glucose levels. The most important principle is to consume a similar amount of carbohydrates at every meal and snack, spreading carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day. Also, eating three meals per day plus snacks, eating at regular intervals and timing food intake with the action of diabetes medications is important. The diabetic diet does not have to be a special diet, but rather one that is healthy, well-balanced and suitable for the entire family.
Considerations
While diet is very important for anyone with diabetes, it is not a replacement for exogenous insulin or other diabetic medications. Working with a physician and dietitian will help you to create the best treatment plan possible, including physical activity, diet therapy and medication management.
