Insulin-resistance Diet Compared To A Diabetic Diet

Insulin resistance is a chronic condition in which your cells are resistant to insulin, the hormone that transports sugar from your blood to your cells. Consequently, your blood sugar levels can swell. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by inability to produce insulin and high blood sugar, whereas Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar. Insulin resistance and diabetic diets have similarities and differences.

Insulin Resistance Diet

You can have insulin resistance without being diabetic. However, insulin resistance is often a sign of developing Type 2 diabetes. Genetics and being overweight or obese and not being physically active are risk factors for developing insulin resistance. People with insulin resistance often have an above-normal waist circumference, high blood pressure and high blood levels of cholesterol, collectively called metabolic syndrome. Losing weight is a key objective in reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. An insulin-resistance diet emphasizes eating foods that are low in calories, low glycemic, low sodium and low in saturated and trans fats. Low glycemic foods, such as barley, peanuts, grapefruit and carrots, contain sugars your body slowly absorbs into your blood, enabling you to prevent spikes in blood sugar. Low sodium foods are primarily whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These plant-based foods also contain very low amounts of unhealthy fats.

Type 1 Diabetic Diet

A Type 1 diabetic diet is focused on balancing your blood sugar and insulin levels. Type 1 diabetics usually take insulin to help the body metabolize sugar. Too little insulin results in high blood sugar, whereas too much insulin can cause low blood sugar. Type 1 diabetics can eat most types of foods, yet should focus on managing the amount of sugar. A diet that emphasizes low glycemic foods can help you to control your blood sugar. Type 1 diabetics have a high risk of complications that include cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Therefore, your diet should include eating healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and walnuts and monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocados.

Type 2 Diabetic Diet

A Type 2 diabetic diet focuses on losing weight and controlling blood sugar. Eat generous amounts of a variety of colors of low glycemic or non-starchy fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, green beans and carrots, whole grains, such as brown rice, beans and lentils and fish. Eating coldwater fatty fish, such as salmon or sardines, two to three times per week can reduce your risk of heart disease. Choose low-fat yogurt and dairy products. Take the skin off poultry and choose lean cuts of red meat. Use vegetable oils instead of saturated or trans fats for cooking. Reduce your calories by avoiding processed foods.

Considerations

Insulin resistance and diabetes are serious conditions. Diet may help you reduce the risks of complications. Consult your doctor about a diet plan that is right for you.

Insulin-Resistance Diet Compared to a Diabetic Diet