A growing epidemic throughout the world today is diabetes, and the WHO estimates that there are now over 220 million with this condition. Anyone can become affected by diabetes, and unfortunately the numbers are steadily increasing. It is a condition that causes an increased level of glucose in the bloodstream, due to the body’s inability to deal with it. If you are living with Diabetes, it is very important to know the facts about Diabetic Diet Food.
The problem lies with the Pancreas, it will either not produce enough, or no, insulin. Insulin is used to assist the glucose to enter the body’s cell structures. Sometimes the insulin that has been produced fails to work properly, and this is known as insulin resistance. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.
The type 1 will usually be first noticed in small children, and is caused as a result of the pancreas failing to make any insulin at all. It can go by other names such as juvenile, early onset or insulin dependent diabetes. The onset of symptoms is quite rapid, this is caused by the decreasing levels of insulin within the blood being unable to manage the glucose levels.
Typically, type 2 develops in those older than 40, but can sometimes affect those younger. Often it tends to run in families, and is affecting more people who might be a little overweight. Mostly it can be controlled with a balanced diet, but in some circumstances injections may still be required.
Some people ask why insulin cannot be taken in tablet form, this is because the digestive juices within the stomach would neutralize the insulin before it had time to work. So for the time being the insulin has to be injected under the skin for it to work properly. There have been recent trials with insulin pumps which are producing good results.
For the individual to self diagnose type 2 diabetes can be quite confusing. The symptoms are often not very clear, but the most common ones are tiredness, drinking more fluids, going to the bathroom more often, and weight loss. In some cases people might experience their vision becoming blurred, and find that they are more susceptible to infections. The urine dip stick, although a good indicator, is not entirely conclusive. The diabetes is often only discovered during a blood test at a medical.
A change of lifestyle, particularly diet and exercise, is an effective way of controlling diabetes. To keep the glucose levels in order, each meal needs a balance of fats, carbs and proteins. In order to get into the routine, someone recently diagnosed is strongly advised to seek out a qualified nutritionist or dietitian.
The aim is to provide the necessary nutrients and calories required while at the same time still keep the glucose levels in the normal range, and so helping the individual to lose weight. Diabetic Diet Food is low in cholesterol, simple sugars and saturated fats, but includes limited amounts of leafy green vegetables and fruits, and whole grains high in fibre. Proteins are from lean sources such as salmon, due to the high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Learn what diabetic diet food you can eat starting right now. You can find a list of foods to avoid with diabetes on our site, today.
