Few conditions warrant as much attention to diet as diabetes. Dietary recommendations for the person with diabetes have evolved over the years, however, as knowledge of the disease process has increased and understanding of common complications has grown. It is best to follow your physician's specific recommendations regarding diet and diabetes.
Food Composition
Food is composed of carbohydrates, proteins or fats, along with water content. Carbs and proteins contain 4 calories per gram, while fat contains 9 calories per gram. Carbs are used for short-term energy, but raise blood glucose when eaten in excess by a person with diabetes. Protein provides the building blocks for cellular growth and repair, but is potentially harmful to the organs when consumed in excess. Fat provides long-term energy and fat-soluble vitamins, but too much unhealthy fat clogs the arteries and contributes to obesity.
Old Diabetic Dietary Recommendations
Given that diabetics should control their carb intake, particularly simple carbs such as sugary drinks and desserts, physicians of yesteryear often ordered patients to consume more protein and fat, and fewer carbohydrates than a nondiabetic individual. Fats have less of an impact on blood glucose levels than carbs, so the suggestion of a high-fat diet for diabetics seemed reasonable to some.
Treating Whole Person
The problem with recommending a high-fat diet to a person with diabetes is that those with diabetes are at greatly increased risk of heart disease and also at increased risk of stroke. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, around 65 percent of diabetics fall victim to heart disease or stroke. Artery plaque is implicated in both these cardiovascular conditions, making a high-fat diet a poor long-term strategy.
Current Recommendations
The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics seek out healthier fat choices by limiting animal fats and choosing salmon over steak and skim milk over 2 percent or whole milk. Consumption of nuts, seeds, olive oil and canola oil is also part of a healthy diabetic diet strategy. A diet containing complex carbs, such as whole grain cereal, which is moderate in lean protein and low to moderate in healthy fats can help you best control your blood glucose levels and keep your risk of cardiovascular disease in check.
Member Comments