Diabetes is a disease in which your body is unable to process glucose, or sugar, appropriately. There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children or young adults and requires use of insulin to live. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, can occur at any age and is often associated with obesity. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and often disappears after the birth.
Significance of Diet
Diet plays a very important role in diabetes, no matter what form you have. Carbohydrates, especially, play an important role in blood sugar control. Carbohydrates are broken down in the digestive system and form the glucose in your blood stream. When you eat larger quantities of carbohydrates, your blood sugar increases. Too few carbohydrates can lead to a risk of low blood sugar, depending on your medications.
Carbohydrates in the Diet
Carbohydrates are found in many different food sources. These foods include dairy products, such as milk and yogurt; grain products; fruit; starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn and peas; sweets and other snack foods. Obviously, with so many healthy foods including carbohydrates, you cannot eliminate these from your diet. The important thing to remember with carbohydrates is portion control. You should have a balanced intake of a variety of low-fat milk products, whole grains and fruits in moderate portions at all meals.
Non-Carbohydrate Foods
Not all foods contain carbohydrates. Foods with minimal carbohydrates include non-starchy vegetables, meat, cheese and fats. If hunger is a concern, you may find it helpful to increase your intake of non-starchy vegetables, such as lettuce, green beans and broccoli, among others. Lean meats are also an option at mealtimes, to help add calories and fill you up without adding additional carbohydrates. Fats can also be added in moderation but need to be limited due to heart health concerns and the high calorie content.
Heart-Healthy Diet
According to the American Diabetes Association, persons with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those that without the disease. This makes a heart-healthy diet essential if you have diabetes. This diet includes moderate sources of unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil or nuts, and limited amounts of saturated or trans fats. Saturated fats are found most commonly in animal products, such as butter, high-fat meats and high-fat dairy products. Trans fats are often found in processed baked goods.
Weight Management
If you have diabetes, weight may be a concern. With type 1 diabetes, you may need to gain or maintain a healthy weight. With type 2 diabetes you may need to lose weight to get better control of your blood sugar. If you have gestational diabetes, it is important to monitor your weight as well as the baby's to ensure proper growth without excess gain. Due to these concerns, it may be necessary to watch portion size and calorie intake to reach your weight goals. By taking control of your diet, you may be able to take control not only of your weight, but of your diabetes as well.
