Diabetic diet therapy translates into a non-restrictive eating plan. You do not have to follow a strict diet to survive your condition. You do, however, have to remain diligent in your effort to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Eating right is only a piece of the puzzle; your desire to enjoy life is another.
History
Diet therapy dates back to the 16th century when a physiologist by the name of Sanctorius lived. He was a founder of experimental medicine, according to Encyclopedia.com.
The actual concept was born in the 20th century; this was when the food exchange list was developed. Strong dietary restrictions accompanied it, though -- quite the opposite of current diabetic diet therapy.
The first trained dietitians appeared during World War I, changing the face of this diabetic treatment. Research gave way to a better understanding of how pancreatic secretions in metabolism could allow diabetics to lead close to normal lives; correcting poor eating habits could force these secretions and metabolism to work in favor of diabetics without the previous rigid dietary restrictions they were accustomed to.
Purpose
Diet therapy aims to regulate blood glucose levels and control weight, a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Obesity also makes it difficult to regulate blood sugar levels. The ultimate goal of therapy is to prevent common diabetes complications -- such as kidney, nerve and heart damage -- without placing rigid dietary restrictions on you, explains MayoClinic.com.
Role of Dietitians
A registered dietitian works with you to develop a healthy eating plan with foods you enjoy. She must also reduce your fat intake to prevent heart disease, a common complication of diabetes. She takes your medical and dietary history, along with your personal goals, into account as she determines the number of calories and carbohydrates you need per day. She monitors your condition regularly, adjusting your diet as needed.
Features
Eating more nutritious foods in moderate amounts at the same time each day are the basic features of diabetic diet therapy.
The foods you eat control your blood sugar levels -- eating the right foods can keep your glucose under control. Carbohydrates have the largest impact; choosing the right carbs makes the difference. Simple carbs break down fast, enabling your blood to absorb them quickly. This results in blood sugar spikes. Simple carbs include soda, candy, white bread and baked goods. Complex carbs -- although containing sugar -- break down slowly, resulting in little or no blood absorption. Whole-grain products, vegetables and oats fall in this category. Low-fat products are essential, as are lean protein sources such as fish and poultry.
Eating in moderate amounts prevents overeating and controls calories. Portion control works well for this. Fill half your plate with green veggies such as broccoli or spinach, one-quarter with lean protein and the other quarter with a starch such as white potatoes. Start with your vegetables, move to your protein and eat the starch last.
Scheduling your meals for the same time each day, eating six small meals through the day, and consuming the same number of calories at each meal regulates your blood sugar and prevents overeating.
Warning
Although diet therapy is not a "diet" per se, and you may not have major dietary restrictions to follow, do not think you can eat what you want one day and make up for it the next. Consuming a piece of cake or bowl of ice cream without making an exchange can result in dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Speak with your dietitian and ask her when it's okay to enjoy a dessert and what to do if that moment arises. Keep your goal in mind at all times -- good health.
