Diabetes is a condition caused by the body either not making enough insulin or not responding properly to it. Because insulin is needed to pull sugar out of the blood, people with diabetes have chronically high blood sugar, which can lead to a number of serious complications. Changes in diet, especially in the early stages of diabetes, can help keep the disease from progressing.
Weight Loss
One of the most critical goals of a diet plan for early diabetes is the maintenance of a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase a person's risk of developing diabetes and speed the condition's progression. As a result, people with early diabetes are often advised to lose excess weight. This typically involves a diet of between 1,500 and 1,800 calories per day.
Blood Glucose Control
Another goal of a diabetes diet is to keep blood glucose levels low. One important aspect of this is to control the type and quantity of carbohydrates consumed. Carbs are broken down to form glucose. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, which can exacerbate diabetes. Complex carbohydrates, such as fiber and whole grains, get broken down more slowly, which helps prevent rapid blood glucose changes. Whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables should be emphasized in a diet for people with early diabetes, the American Diabetes Association says.
Fats and Oils
Another important aspect of a diet for early diabetes is limitations on fats and oils. People who have diabetes have a greater risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Saturated fats and trans fats should be minimized in a diabetes diet, the Mayo Clinic explains, and instead replaced with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Because fats are high in calories, little fat should be consumed, as it can add calories to the diet.
Benefits
Adopting healthy eating habits can help keep blood glucose levels under control. Tighter glucose control as a result of a healthy diet can help diabetics prevent some of the complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, blindness and nerve damage. It can also allow diabetics to take lower doses of their diabetes medications, which will minimize side effects.
Limitations
Although early diabetes can be controlled with a healthy diet, patients should not assume that diet alone is sufficient to treat their condition. Regular blood glucose monitoring is still essential, and most patients will need to take medications for their diabetes. People who have pre-diabetes or early diabetes should work closely with their doctors to ensure long-term health.
