Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot effectively use insulin, a chemical produced by the pancreas, to convert blood sugars into energy, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Diabetes can cause complications such as dizziness, fainting and fatigue. Left unchecked, this condition can result in coma or death. For several reasons, diet is an important component of diabetes management.
Blood Glucose Control
The primary function of diet for people with diabetes is to control the level of glucose in the bloodstream, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain foods and beverages, such as white pasta and breads, potatoes, soft drinks and candy can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, triggering dizziness, fainting and other symptoms of diabetes. A healthy diabetic diet, which consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and legumes, has a lower impact on glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Decreased Heart Disease Risk
Diabetics are at increased risk of heart disease, according to the Balches. A healthy diabetic diet, which limits the use of dairy products, eggs and red meats, reduces the levels of saturated fats in the bloodstream. Saturated fats can lead to high LDL, or low density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can cause blockages in arteries and blood vessels. These blockages place excessive strain on the heart, contributing to heart attacks and strokes.
Decreased Risk of Hyperbilirubinemia
A healthy diabetic diet may help decrease the risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Chronically high levels of blood glucose can cause scarring of the liver. The liver is responsible for delivering bile, a substance used by the body to break down the nutrients in foods, to the intestine. Liver scarring can cause bile to back up in the liver and eventually into the bloodstream. This can result in hyperbilirubinemia, or high bile levels in the blood. Bile, which is made up of cholesterol, can deposit hard cholesterol deposits, called xanthomas, under the surface of the skin, according to the Balches. Hyperbilirubinemia can also cause additional damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs of the body.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
