Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that helps keep blood glucose levels from becoming abnormally elevated. If you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or is resistant to its effects. You can aid in the management of diabetes by following a diet plan that includes some limitations on fat intake.
Fat and Calories
One of the reasons why fat often needs to be restricted for people with diabetes is the amount of calories that fat has. One gram of fat contains nine calories, which is more than twice the caloric density of proteins or carbohydrates. Many people with diabetes are overweight and for these people losing some of the extra pounds can help lower blood glucose levels. One important part of any weight-loss plan is reducing the number of calories you eat, which means that you will need to minimize your consumption of foods with a high fat content.
Fat and Atherosclerosis
One of the major complications of diabetes is atherosclerosis, a condition caused by the buildup of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries, making them become stiff and narrow. Diabetes can speed up this process due to the fact that elevated blood glucose levels can make it easier for cholesterol to infiltrate the arterial walls. For this reason, if you have diabetes, it is recommended that you keep your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake.
Fats to Avoid
Certain fats should be minimized in a healthy diet for diabetes. Saturated fat, for example, should make up less than 7 percent of your daily calories, the Mayo Clinic reports. Saturated fats are a major contributor to atherosclerosis and can be found in many animal products, such as high-fat dairy, beef, bacon and hot dogs. You should also avoid trans fats, which can be found in some types of stick margarine, shortening and baked goods, as these fats can also promote atherosclerosis.
Healthy Fats
Some types of fat, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered to be "good" fats because they can lower your risk of developing heart disease. Sources of these fats include canola, corn, olive, sunflower and safflower oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are another beneficial type of fat due to their ability to lower your cholesterol levels; these fats can be found in fatty fish and some nuts. Even these healthy fats should only be consumed in moderation, however, due to their high caloric content.
