What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is the medical condition that limits the body’s ability to make and utilise insulin properly which results in high blood sugar levels [hypergylcemia]. There are two types of diabetes. There is type 1 diabetes which occurs when the body doesn’t respond well and cannot produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t respond to insulin in the blood.
Why is too much sugar in the blood bad for you?
Hypergylcemia if left untreated will result in the destruction of essential blood vessels that lead to major organs e.g. the arteries bringing blood to the eyes which leads to blindness. Hypergylcemia will also elevate the risk of cardiac diseases and may cause renal failure.
Living with Diabetes
For most people finding out that they have diabetes is one of the scariest things but one that does not mean your life has come to an end. Yes there will be need for a lifestyle change but it does not mean the end to every good thing you used to enjoy. Below are some of the changes that you will have to begin to enact in your life to see yourself manage your diabetes well:
- Giving thought to what you are eating and how much
- Regular blood glucose checks
- Taking your medication if this is prescribed by your doctor
- Exercising to maintain a healthy body
How to eat when you have diabetes – Diets and Food Tips
Let’s begin by busting one of the biggest myths out there – the myth that says this is the end of eating all the good things life has to offer! Yes you can still enjoy that delightful red velvet cake or that to-die-for black forest gateau. In fact you will probably be eating the best meals in your life now! Don’t believe us? Keep reading.
Eating to live – not living to eat
Living with diabetes requires that you eat in such a manner that you do not cause your body’s blood sugar levels to spike unnecessarily. You need to make sure that you are now eating regular healthy meals at least every four hours to make sure that your body is using all the sugar that is released in the food you consume after every four hours. Avoid snacking on sweets as a stand alone meal if you are having the cravings. At least combine the sweet part of the meal with a fruit. When craving for sweet things you can also opt for natural foods like yogurt as well.
Some people are surprised to discover that they will actually be eating more than they used to – yes, no more skipping breakfast. However, your body will now be receiving all the good food that it was craving all along. When planning your food, your plate should look like the image below.
Managing diabetes means following the following diabetes food tips:
- Reduce your alcohol intake
- Reduce the sugar rich foods
- Eat more green vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Reduce the saturated fats you eat and opt for unsaturated fats
- Get to know your carbs and limit the carbohydrates that are not good for you such as refined starch and pastas
The Top 12 Foods for Diabetics :-
It is almost a no-brainer that the best foods to eat are mostly vegetables. Vegetables are great carbohydrates and provide vitamins and important antioxidants needed in the body. Be sure to include a combination of any of these foods in every meal.
Apples, Asparagus, Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Fish, Garlic, Oatmeal, Nuts, Soy, Spinach, Tomatoes
Conclusion :-
Living with diabetes does not mean the end to eating all of your favourite foods. All it requires is a change of mind and a new attitude towards food. Look at food as your friend. The fuel that your body needs to function properly, develop a relationship with your food by getting to know which foods are best for you and which foods to eat in lesser amounts. You don’t have to fear going out to eat with family and friends. All you have to remember is to make healthier choices in your food.
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