There are approximately 171 million individuals in the world suffering from the direct and indirect complications of diabetes mellitus, according to a study published by "Diabetes Care" in May 2004. Furthermore, the researchers of this study projected that 366 million people will have this metabolic problem in 2030. MayoClinic.com defines the word "diabetes" as metabolic problem that results from the increased blood sugar levels in the body leading to an array of complications such as heart diseases, hypertension, high blood cholesterol levels, eye problems, nerve problems and renal failure.
The Importance of Proper Diet in the Management of Diabetes
Diet plays one of the most important factors to the development of diabetes. MayoClinic.com considers weight gain due to increased caloric intake as the number one culprit for the development of type 2 diabetes that ultimately result in the increased resistance of individual cells to the stimulation of insulin, a special hormone that facilitates the transport of energy in the form of glucose into the cells.
A proper diet can be considered as one of the cornerstones for the proper management of diabetes. As mentioned by Mayoclinic.com, seeing a dietician may be one of the best options to have a proper guide in the necessary dietary changes needed for a better control of the blood sugar levels and healthy weight loss. A proper control of the blood sugar levels is one of the most helpful steps to prevent the development of chronic complications associated with this disease.
Importance of Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibers
Fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains should be encouraged in patients suffering from diabetes, according to the Nutritional Management for Diabetes Mellitus guideline released by the US Department of Health and Human Resources. These foods contain dietary fibers. Dietary fibers can help decrease the risk for heart complications and improve the blood sugar levels. However, according to Mayoclinic.com, sugary foods and starchy foods must be eaten minimally because these can abruptly increase the blood sugar level.
Importance of Proteins
The Nutritional Management for Diabetes Mellitus guideline mentions that diabetic patients with normal renal function should have a protein intake of fifteen to twenty percent of the daily energy intake. The Mayoclinic.com strongly recommends that protein intake must be in the form of fish meat because it is a heart-healthy alternative for meat and it is also rich in omega-3, a fatty acid that promotes the health of the heart.
Importance of Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
The Nutritional Management for Diabetes Mellitus guideline states that the intake of foods rich in trans-fat should be minimized. Furthermore, healthy dietary fat should be less than thirty percent of the total daily energy consumption. However, according to Mayoclnic.com, high-fat dairy products and proteins coming from animal sources must only comprise less than seven percent of the daily caloric intake since these food sources are high in saturated fats.
