Complications from diabetes can result in stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, according to the 2011 statistics from the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Management of the condition is essential to life longevity, but that does not mean that you have to live in seclusion and restrict your diet to keep diabetes under control. Medical nutrition therapy along with medications and following dietary guidelines are key in helping you live healthfully with diabetes.
Interaction Of Insulin and Glucose
The endocrine system is responsible for making the hormone insulin to carry out metabolic processes important for digestion. Insulin is a critical element for bringing glucose, or sugar, into your cells from the bloodstream to use as energy in your muscles and brain. Diabetes alters the way your body uses insulin by preventing its production or releasing too little. Without the proper amounts of insulin, the glucose in your bloodstream accumulates causing your body to lose energy. Carbohydrate foods have the most impact on your blood glucose levels because the sugar molecules in carbohydrates metabolize into glucose during digestion. The types of carbohydrates you consume make a difference in how fast glucose enters and leaves your bloodstream. Slow release of carbohydrate sugars gives insulin that is not produced amply, time to pull glucose into your cells so blood glucose levels stabilize.
Diet Basics
No singular diabetic diet exists to treat this disease because there are different forms of diabetes and food is not the only factor that impacts blood glucose levels. Instead of a specific diet, doctors advise that diabetics follow healthy eating plans that are primarily plant-based, high in nutritive value and low in fat and calories, notes MayoClinic.com. Food choice or quality, portion control and timing, like spacing out your carbohydrates, are the crux of healthy eating for diabetes. Eat small but frequent meals throughout the day to maintain blood glucose. Read nutrition labels so you can determine the sugar and carbohydrate content per food serving. You should limit alcohol, high-fat and high-sodium foods because these foods increase your risk of diabetes complications.
Carbohydrates
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are good, carbohydrate-containing foods to consume when you have diabetes. Have a carbohydrate source with each meal to spread out your intake evenly, but choose carbohydrates that do not cause immediate sugar spikes. Opt for fresh fruit like an apple as a snack or whole wheat bread with your lunch sandwich instead of processed white bread. Fibrous carbohydrates like beans, bran cereal and spinach can help maintain your blood glucose while also aiding in digestion. Healthy carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories. Carbohydrates to limit include packaged foods like snack cakes, potato chips and candy, which cause immediate glucose spikes followed by a sugar crash. Canned or frozen produce is acceptable if it contains no added sugars or sodium, but fresh produce is best for healthier eating.
Meat and Dairy
Protect your heart from diabetes complications by choosing lean meat and dairy foods. Baked, grilled or broiled chicken and turkey are lower-fat protein sources that do not cause a rise in glucose or increase your risk of heart disease. Two or three servings of fish, like tuna, salmon or cod, per week protects your heart and is a healthy source of unsaturated fat. Choose non-fat dairy instead of whole fat. Read nutrition labels for sugar content on non-fat dairy products because some items like yogurt often have added sugars.
Beverages
Water is safe because it is fat and sugar-free. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Soda, concentrated fruit drinks or punch and sweet tea are not optimal beverage choices because of added sugar. Diet drinks are an alternative, but limit your daily servings based on recommendations by your physician. Drink coffee or caffeinated beverages sparingly because these can cause a brief spike in blood glucose.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Diabetes Diet; General Dietary Guidelines
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes Diet; Create Your Healthy-Eating Plan; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 17, 2010
- American Diabetes Association; Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions for Diabetes; January 2005
- American Diabetes Association: Making Healthy Food Choices
- California Pacific Medical Center; Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes; March 2009
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: National Diabetes Statistics 2011
