Health advice on diabetic diet

diabetic diet
(25 Aug 2007)

There are several people around the world, suffering from high levels of sugar in their blood. This condition is known as diabetes. This is a very serious condition affecting about 18 million people in the United States; it is also the third highest cause of deaths in the US.

People could suffer from two main types of diabetes, classified as type-1 diabetes, type-2 diabetes. There is also a condition known as gestational diabetes, which occurs only in women who are pregnant. At times, a person could be called pre diabetic, if the levels of glucose in the blood are high, but not high enough as it could go to, in case of diabetes. Some people would also refer to this condition, as borderline diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes is a progressive disease and there is no cure for it. It can only be managed and controlled with the help of a diet, exercise and a few lifestyle changes. However, pre diabetes can be reversed significantly, with the help of a proper pre diabetic diet.

What is a borderline diabetes diet?

Pre diabetes usually acts as an eye opener, or a warning signal for many people, who do not even realize that they are at a high risk of this condition. Fortunately, by following a few pre diabetic diet guidelines and recommendations, a person can prevent the condition from worsening, or from developing into diabetes type 2. Some of the recommendations of a pre diabetic diet meal plan include:

Low glycemic fruits, such as apples and apple juice, grapefruit, mangoes, oranges and orange juice, strawberries, raw dates, bananas, grapes and peaches. Fruits that are ripe contain a higher amount of sugar and therefore, should not be included in a pre-diabetic or a diabetic diet plan.

Both milk and yogurt have a low glycemic index, which can help diabetics to limit their intake of calories. Reports on pre diabetes and diet drinks state that 2% milk and skim milk should be consumed on a daily basis.

Lean meat like skinless chicken, turkey, as well as certain varieties of fish, pork tenderloin and lamb chops are good for people who are at a high risk for diabetes.

What is a diabetic diet plan for type 1 diabetes?

The most important function of a diabetic plan for type 1 diabetes is preventing hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood. Hence, diabetics are usually advised to eat a snack every few hours. However, these snacks, as well as the other meals, should contain limited amounts of simple carbohydrates, fat and protein.

What is a diabetic diet plan for type 2 diabetes?

Given below is a menu plan that is ideal for the diabetic diet for type 2:

Breakfast: One serving of low GI fruit, one boiled egg, two toasts and a cup of skim milk.

Lunch: One serving of chicken or turkey, two servings of a vegetable, a bowl of whole wheat pasta

Afternoon Snack: Three crackers, a piece of fruit, half a cup of tea or coffee (without sugar)

Dinner: Meat or fish, two servings of vegetables, some fruit

Evening snack: A cup of milk, with some low fat cheese or saltines.

There is a lot of information on the correlation between diabetes and diet, which is easily available over the internet, or through other sources. However, it is best for a person to consult a doctor, for any queries related to diabetes and dietary supplements or dietary fat. Pregnant women, who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes need to realize that the condition is temporary, but needs to be controlled, as it could have a harmful effect on the growth of the baby. Therefore, they need to check with their doctors, for a healthy and nutritious gestational diabetes diet plan. In addition to following a diabetic diet plan to lose weight, people who suffer from diabetes, or are at a high risk are generally advised to walk for around an hour, or engage in any other form of gentle aerobic exercise.

answered by G M on 7 Apr 2011, 7:03:18

This is a very serious disease and not something to be taken lightly. The type of diet you should follow depends on what type of diabetes you have and how far advanced it is. You can take some natural supplements to help regulate your blood sugar, including chromium and alpha lipoic acid. These are key to helping you fight diabetes. Other things that help are drinking good water and eating whole grains as much as possible in place of white or processed foods. Avoid drinking sodas or high sugar foods. Make sure your diet is high in protein and simple foods. Avoid fatty foods like things that are deep fried. Adding cinnamon to your diet has been proven to help treat diabetes. By increasing your vitamin intake, including amino acids and fish oil (Omega-3’s), you are giving your body what it needs to control your blood sugar. You should always consult your doctor or natural health specialist before making ANY dietary changes. This will help prevent complications that can be fatal. These complications are caused by your blood sugar plummeting or spiking, which can cause fainting, coma, blindness, and even death. Working with a natural health specialist is a very good solution because they can monitor all of your blood levels to keep you on track to healing yourself.

answered by R P on 7 Jan 2008, 6:30:46

Health advice on diabetic diet

diabetic diet (25 Aug 2007)

diabetic diet
(25 Aug 2007)