Diet in Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder whereby the body cannot utilise blood sugar in the proper way owing to a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use it effectively. This leads to an increase in the blood sugar level, causing symptoms such as extreme thirst, passing large amounts of urine, tiredness, weight loss and frequent infections. In the long term, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to damage of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nervous system. It can also increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. In type 1 diabetes, pancreas stops producing insulin. To treat this condition, a doctor prescribes an artificial form of insulin using a needle and syringe, or an insulin pen or insulin pump based on needs. Many people with type 2 diabetes may need to take medication and/or insulin to control their symptoms.
Dietary Management:
- Eat a high fibre low carbohydrate diet, when reading food labels, be sure to look for sugar’s various names, like -sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, jaggery etc. This will aid in stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Eat more whole grain products.
- Eat meals on time, keep small snacks between meals. Match your mealtimes to your medication timings.
- Replace sweetened drinks with unsweetened drinks, have fresh fruits instead of fruit juice and choose a piece of fresh fruit for dessert instead.
- Artificial sweeteners like Stevia or Splenda can be used as a substitute for regular sugar.
- Alcohol is allowed in moderation in well-controlled diabetes. Avoid alcohol if you have a high blood triglyceride level, kidney disease or heart disease.
- Reduce the amount of fats, salt and sugary foods in your diet.
You should eat a variety of foods to meet your nutritional requirements. Every individual has different nutritional requirements, we will work with you to ensure you eat a suitable amount and types of food from each of the food groups.