Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the levels of blood sugar in the body are too high. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both types of diabetes affect the way the body regulates blood sugar. Glucose is the fuel that feeds our body’s cells, and to enter our cells, it needs insulin. People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes do not respond to insulin as they should and have trouble producing enough insulin later in the disease.
Nutritional management is an important part of life for people with diabetes. Through simple lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, this condition can be managed, and the development of serious complications can be prevented.
Guidelines for a healthy Diabetic diet:
− Eating regular meals. Eating regularly helps to prevent wide fluctuations in blood glucose levels and is important when taking diabetic medications.
− Limit your intake of fat, sugar, and salt. Incorporate low-fat milk and lean meat into your meals. Avoid excessive use of oil, saturated fats, and processed foods high in added salt and sugar.
− Make sure to get an adequate amount of fiber. Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It helps to slow the absorption of sugar and helps to improve blood sugar levels. A healthy diet consisting of insoluble fiber may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
− Eat from a variety of foods daily. Each food group provides us with different nutrients, so eating from all the food groups helps to ensure we are getting enough of the nutrients we need.
− Eat more fruit and vegetables. Add a handful of vegetables to rice dishes, soups, and stews. Steam vegetables instead of boiling them to retain their flavor, color, and nutrients. Have a piece of fruit as a snack in the morning or the mid-afternoon. Consume a rainbow of fruits, such as mango, papaya, bananas, and green vegetables such as okra and spinach.
− Choose healthy fats. Healthy fats can be found in oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish such as salmon. Lower your intake of saturated fats by choosing lean meat, fresh fish, skinless poultry, and low-fat milk products. Limit your consumption of high-fat meat, including chicken wings, sausage, cow tongue, ox tail, and chicken or pig feet.
− Choose your carbohydrates carefully! Choosing the right carbohydrates can help manage your diabetes and provide plenty of energy – without causing massive spikes in your blood sugar. Some healthy carbs include lentils, berries, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal.
https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html
