If you are one of the 23.6 million Americans with diabetes, you must pay close attention to everything you eat. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that causes high levels glucose to circulate in your bloodstream. Elevated blood-glucose levels can be the result of not enough insulin being released by your pancreas, as is the case with type-1 diabetes. In type-2 diabetes, your cells become resistant to insulin and keep glucose from entering your cells. The rationale behind meal plans for diabetics is based on keeping your blood-sugar levels stable.
The Importance of Glucose
Glucose is one of your body's main sources of energy. All of your cells need it to function properly. Glucose is derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion. Your body can also obtain glucose through the breakdown of glycogen, which is stored in your liver when your blood sugar drops between meals and during times of stress and extreme hunger. If your body doesn't produce enough insulin or it cannot get into your cells, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream. A high concentration of glucose in your bloodstream can lead to serious health complications, and the aim of any diabetic meal plan is to keep this from happening.
Controlling Glucose Through Diet
Diabetes meal plans are specifically geared toward controlling your blood-sugar levels and keeping them stable. It's important for diabetics to eat a balanced diet consisting of healthy foods. A healthy diabetes diet includes lean meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nonfat dairy and whole grains. Eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates, especially in foods made with white flour and white sugar can wreak havoc with your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association advises choosing whole foods high in nutrients over processed foods.
Diabetic Meal Plans
There are many diabetes diets out there, so talk to your doctor about the plan that is best for you. Most diets focus on the calories and carbohydrates you consume to keep your blood glucose in the target range your doctor advises. Therefore, when you plan a meal, choose lower-calorie, nutritious foods that give you more bang for the buck. "Diabetic Living" magazine suggests eating whole grains instead of products containing refined flour. Use olive oil or canola oil instead of saturated fats, and for dessert, have fruit instead of ice cream, cookies or cakes.
Complications
Not following a diabetic meal plan and eating too many carbohydrates can cause your blood-sugar levels to remain elevated. Over time, consistently high-blood sugar levels can lead to a number of serious health complications. According to the Mayo Clinic website, if you are a diabetic with elevated blood-glucose levels, you run the risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, stroke, nerve damage and kidney disease. You also run the risk of losing your vision and having foot problems and frequent skin infections. Consult your doctor about recommending a diabetes meal plan to help control your blood sugar.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes; March 2011
- BD Diabetes: How Insulin Works to Regulate Blood Glucose
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet
- "Diabetic Living"; Basic of a Diabetic Meal: How are You Spending Your Calories?
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
