Diabetics must follow a very precise eating regimen to properly manage the disease. Busy schedules, family obligations and lack of health education often conspire to make the nutritional management of diabetes very difficult. One solution is to subscribe to a diabetes diet home delivery service, which delivers diabetes-friendly meals to the diabetic's home.
Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association estimates that, as of 2007, a total of 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either can't make insulin or can't use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to turn food into energy. Diabetes can cause many complications, including eye damage, food problems, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Low-Glycemic Index Diets
Eating plans for diabetics are considered low-glycemic index diets. Low-glycemic index diets pay very close attention to the carbohydrate content of foods. Carbohydrates have a very strong impact on blood glucose levels, and diabetics are required to carefully monitor their blood glucose levels.
According to the results of a randomized clinical trial reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Type 2 diabetic patients were better able to control their diabetes with a low-glycemic index diet for six months compared to Type 2 diabetics who consumed a high-cereal fiber diet for six months.
Choosing
Factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a diabetes diet home delivery service include type and amount of food, frequency of delivery, cost of the food, shipping costs, delivery time, and whether the food arrives fresh or frozen.
Bistro M.D.
The Bistro M.D. plan was created by Dr. Caroline Cederquist, author of "The Honest Diet for Busy Women." Bistro M.D. offers four levels of plan membership, and meal plans can be customized to customers' preferences, food allergies and religious restrictions. Bistro M.D. customers are provided with free advice from dietitians and are encouraged to seek support from an online community.
Nutrisystem D
Nutrisystem D is designed for Type 2 diabetics who want to lose weight. According to a randomized clinical study conducted by the researchers at Temple University School of Medicine, patients on the Nutrisystem D plan lost more weight and lowered their blood sugar levels more than patients who followed a diabetes education and support program. Separate plans are offered for men and women. The Nutrisystem plan does contain peanuts and will not customize meal plans for customers with peanut allergies. Customers are given free access to registered dietitians and an online customer community.
Dinewise
Dinewise offers a variety of low-glycemic index individual foods and meal plans for home delivery. Microwavable meals arrive frozen.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- Effect of a Low-Glycemic Index or a High-Cereal Fiber Diet on Type 2 Diabetes; Jenkins DJ. 2008
