It’s important to understand the diabetes food list in order to stay healthy and ensure optimal levels of health. Among common guideline suggestions from the American Diabetes Association, there’s no single universally accepted diet that’s better than the others. However, this is largely due to a shortage of long-term studies on the subject matter. Because of that, it’s basically a matter of trial and error to figure out what foods are good for your particular condition.
Basically, the old fashion diet of the past was based around fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The newest diet recommendation is based around vegetables, fruits, fiber, and low fat dairy products. But these changes come with increased risk and benefits for the diabetes patient.
Fats, oils, and sweets should be avoided. These high risk factors are what make refined grains, fried foods, and sugary foods so dangerous. When you eat high fat foods, the body responds by increasing its production of insulin and its use of glucose as a form of fuel; this can increase your risk of heart disease significantly.
Instead of eating white rice, choose brown or whole grain pasta instead. Instead of eating white bread, choose whole grain bread. Instead of eating processed or canned foods, eat lean protein such as beans, nuts, and seeds. Lean protein contains essential amino acids that help the body function properly. Beans, nuts, and seeds contain all nine of the essential amino acids; and lean protein is one of the best sources of those nutrients.
For those who are already diagnosed with diabetes, they should be careful about what fats they consume. Saturated fats (also called trans fats) are particularly problematic because they raise blood cholesterol levels and may lead to heart disease. The next time you order fast food, look to see if the amount of saturated fat is listed. If it is, choose another place for your order.
Even if you’re not yet diagnosed with diabetes, you should be aware of your sugar intake. In America, sugar is added to almost everything that goes into the food. That means that when you order a nacho chips, the amount of sugar is likely to be more than you realize. The recommended daily amount of sugar for people with diabetes is five grams of sugar per kilogram of body weight.
As you age, your consumption of saturated fat, salt, and sugar will likely decrease, but you should still monitor what you eat. You should also be aware that you should never eat or drink too much calories, especially those that come from heavily packaged and processed foods. In many cases, those highly packaged foods contain the very things that are making you get diabetes in the first place – unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar. To help you keep track of calories and portion sizes, you might want to keep a food journal, so you can see what you’ve been eating over a long period of time.
Another important thing to remember is that you should always choose your own medicine. Medications for type 1 diabetes come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more effective than others at controlling your blood sugar level. You should talk to your doctor about which type of medication is best for your lifestyle. For example, if you smoke, stopping is an important step, but so is taking extra insulin. Talk to your doctor to find the best type of medication for you, and how to use it to control your diabetes.
Carbohydrate intake is one of the easiest ways to control diabetes. The types of carbohydrates that you should avoid include those with high amounts of refined sugars and high-glucose carbohydrates. These types of carbohydrates increase your blood glucose level, which can make you feel hungry and tire quickly. Instead, eat plenty of vegetables and lean meats. Fresh fruits can also provide some health benefits, although they tend to have a high level of sugar.
Some types of meals can actually make your diabetes problem worse. A meal that consists mainly of white bread, pastries, and other refined carbohydrate foods can make insulin release into your bloodstream instead of helping to control it. This can make your diabetes symptoms even worse, so avoid these foods as much as possible. Instead, choose meals that are made from whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein. Whole-grain carbohydrates can help prevent your insulin levels from rising after a meal.
It’s a good idea to talk with a dietitian if you’re not sure what foods to eat and what types of meals to avoid. Your dietitian can help you create a meal plan that meets all your needs. He or she may be able to customize a plan especially if you have a particular diet or exercise routine. Your dietitian can also help you get started on a healthier diet and exercise routine.