It may be surprising and strange to know that there is no specific diet for diabetics. Whatever a diabetic can eat is healthy and can be consumed by a...
It may be surprising and strange to know that there is no specific diet for diabetics. Whatever a diabetic can eat is healthy and can be consumed by a non-diabetic as well. A diabetic should,
however, be very careful about the total amount of carbohydrates that he/she consumes in a meal.
Some of the major components of a typical diet include fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates get converted into glucose in the bloodstream, which only sky rockets a diabetic’s chances of increasing blood sugar levels. Being a diabetic, regrettably, does not limit your food intake only at carbohydrate restriction, but the total calories as well along with a strict limitation on the consumption of fat and proteins.
It is of utmost importance for a diabetic to manage blood sugar levels. To do so, a diabetic must make healthy food choices, take prescribed medications, exercise regularly and control the calorie intake. If need be, a diabetic may consult a dietician to structure a personalised diet plan.
What to Eat?
Diabetics must pay special attention to the kind of food they eat and their content, such as the level of carbohydrates, protein and fats in them. Here are some easy-to-follow suggestions that a diabetic can employ in his/her lifestyle to manage diabetes and stay healthy.
* Include a variety of foods ranging from each major food group. This ensures that one eat a nutritious, which contains all the vitamins, proteins, fibre and minerals that are needed. A diet that is rich in fibre helps one’s body to improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
* Limit your intake of animal foods because these are rich in saturated fats and cholesterol.
* Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Include foods that are made of whole grains in every meal, if possible.
* While cooking, ensure that you use healthy vegetable oils that contain mono and poly-unsaturated fats instead of trans and saturated fats.
* Limit the consumption of sugary food, such as alcoholic beverages, sweets and salt.
Glycemic Index and Diabetes
The glycemic index of foods was structured to cater specifically to the needs of diabetics in managing the blood sugar levels. Glycemic index measures the level of rise in blood sugar. All foods that are indexed in the glycemic index are numbered from 1-100. Foods with a glycemic index that is more than 70 are rated as high calorie, those between 56-69 are rated to be moderately caloried and those that are rated less than 55 are rated as low.
