Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to manage glucose, the main fuel source for all cells. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being available as an energy supply for the body's cells. As a result, blood glucose becomes too high. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, more than 23 million Americans, or almost 8 percent of the population, have diabetes. Successful management of the disease depends on regular monitoring of blood glucose and very careful attention to diet and nutrition.
Insulin and Glucose
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps to move glucose into cells, where it is used as a source of energy. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either makes no insulin or cells do not respond to insulin in the correct way. Because of this, glucose levels in the blood remain too high and extra glucose passes into the urine and is excreted. As a result, even though there is enough glucose available, the body is unable to use it. People with diabetes experience fatigue, constant hunger, excess thirst and frequent urination.
Types of Diabetes
There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Its level falls quickly and the onset is sudden in these patients. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the body is unable to use it properly, a condition called insulin resistance that is often associated with obesity. Eventually, insulin production also stops in these patients. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1, accounting for about 95 percent of people with diabetes, according to the Clearinghouse.
Nutrition
Nutrition is very important for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Since type 1 diabetics need to take insulin, it is critical to balance the carbohydrate content of their diets with their intake of insulin. Medline Plus indicates that intake of protein and fat is also important, and that these components need to be balanced with carbohydrates. It recommends that a dietitian should be involved in meal planning for these patients. For people with type 2 diabetes, the disease may often be managed with dietary changes alone. The diet should contain reduced calories and a modest amount of carbohydrate throughout the day. The diet should also include small portions of monounsaturated fats, which is found in nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts.
Good Food Choices
The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics eat lots of vegetables and fruits daily. Non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans are very good choices. It also suggests that patients consume whole grain foods rather than foods made with processed grains; brown rice is an especially healthy choice. Patients should consider eating fish two or three times weekly and choosing only lean meats such as sirloin, pork loin or chicken with the skin removed. Liquid oils and non-fat dairy products should replace butter and and other full-fat foods. Portion sizes should be not be large and high calorie snacks or desserts should be very limited.
Other Considerations
Adults who have diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The Diabetes Clearinghouse states that about 65 percent of those with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, and indicates that managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels is as important for diabetics as controlling their blood glucose. It strongly recommends pursuing exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet within the guidelines for diabetics, and not smoking. Anyone with diabetes should consult a doctor regularly to determine an appropriate regimen.
