Food Choices in Treating Diabetes
Diabetes is confirmed by doing a blood test measuring the glucose level in the blood. There are different types of diabetes. The blood sugar level goes up because either the body is not producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar level or the body is not utilizing the insulin being produced by the body. Complications resulting from diabetes can result to organ damage to the eyes, kidney, nerves and the heart.
There is more truth to the adage that we are what we eat. The food that is consumed is broken down into its smaller, more basic forms as glucose, which comes from starch and sugars, amino acids, which come from protein sources among many other substances. The glucose level in the body is directly related to the amount of carbohydrates that is taken when eating.
Many myths surround diabetic meal planning. Diabetics or non-diabetics may notion that because they have become insulin dependent is that it would ultimately regulate their blood sugar levels, that they can eat anything without worry of becoming hyperglycemic. Another myth is that diabetics can eat anything they want, any quantity they want as long as they finish a meal with a bitter tasting vegetable such as bitter gourd as it is expected to counter the rise in blood sugar level. Another myth is that they can eat anything as long as it is not sweet.
The battle against diabetes begins once you are diagnosed with the disease. If not avoided, you may need long term care from a physician to avoid getting the complications from the disease. Also, you need to regularly monitor your blood sugar level. You may also be required to take insulin shots to keep your blood sugar level under control.
The battle with diabetes begins with the diagnosis. Together with your physicians advice, your blood sugar levels will be monitored, and you may be required to take insulin shots. However, having insulin shots alone will not bring back your blood sugar levels to normal. Brisk exercise is also required to keep your blood sugar levels under control. A fiber-rich diet will also help you fill quicker during meals and help you cut down on your carbohydrate intake. It will also help you feel full for longer periods of time.
You might think, Why the attack on food rich with carbohydrates? Because it is quite obvious that what raises the blood sugar level immediately are after eating carbohydrate and sugar rich foods. These foods considered to contain high glycemic indices are usually the ones anyone would like to eat. Chocolates, cakes, candies, ice cream are packed with sugar and carbohydrates that can be detrimental to the health of the diabetic. Generally speaking, a diabetics diet should be low in carbohydrates sugar and high in fiber, mainly to reduce carbohydrate intake and control the blood sugar level. Meals should include vegetable dishes that are lightly salted. Fruits should also be a staple. Another concern is the calorie requirement of the diabetic, which is decided by age, weight, and extent of physical activity. On the average, a grown person would require only 1,500 calories required to maintain a controllable blood sugar level. Fast food drenched in fat should be avoided as much as possible.
Staying healthy has a lot to do with good eating habits and a little discipline. They are essential not only for the diabetic but for anyone wanting to stay healthy and avoid not only diabetes but other diseases as well. The idea of eating in moderation and exercise will go along way into maintaining a healthy body. It is okay to eat sweet foods so long as you dont overeat, reducing portions or replacing some foods with healthier alternatives will help you feel not being deprived of the tempting foods that you like.