Diabetes is a serious disease affecting about 8.3 percent of the United States population. The risks of unmanaged diabetes include blindness, neuropathy, hypertension, heart disease and hearing loss. Fortunately, small changes in diet can greatly improve a diabetic patient's prognosis. Speak with your health-care provider about amending your diet to improve your health.
Definition
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that impair your body's ability to process glucose, or blood sugar. Although the physiological mechanisms of the disease are different for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, they all lead to a build-up of glucose in the blood stream. Consequently, the goal of a diabetic diet is to regulate blood sugar and prevent sudden spikes or drops in glucose levels.
Healthy Diet
A diabetic diet is synonymous with a healthy diet and requires commonsense nutritional decisions at every meal. Diabetics, along with the rest of the general population, need to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, choose lean meats and proteins, eat low-fat dairy products and choose whole grains over processed alternatives. Additionally, diabetics must cut back on sugary beverages and treats, although you might not need to entirely eliminate them from your diet.
Planning
Regulating blood sugar may require you to plan meals and snacks ahead of time. Talk with your physician about what your glucose levels should be before and after a meal. Then, keep a diary of everything you eat and your glucose levels throughout the day. Often, blood sugar is easier to maintain if you eat three smaller meals and three snacks each day with only a few hours between them. Your doctor also might want you to count calories, particularly if weight loss would ameliorate the symptoms of your disease.
Other Considerations
Although diet is an essential part of managing diabetes, physical fitness and weight loss are equally important. Reducing your weight by even 5 to 10 percent can greatly reduce the risks and negative side effects associated with diabetes. Strive for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training most days. Physical activity plays an important role in regulating blood sugar.
