An Effective Diabetes Diet

More often than not, the symptoms of diabetes can be controlled, but the effects of this disease can be quite severe and these could progressively worsen, even when an individual is taking drugs to moderate these symptoms. Some of the problems that can arise include impaired circulation, vision problems, nerve damage, skin damage, kidney disease and heart attack or stroke. This is why a good diet that promotes optimal health is often believed to be an effective diabetes diet also.

Healthy Diabetes Diet Considerations

1. Eat More Fiber

Fiber is important for overall health. You probably know that fiber helps with the digestive process, but it has also been shown to lower heart disease, which is often a problem for diabetics. Another interesting point to note is that although fiber is a carbohydrate (similar to sugars and starches), it will not elevate your blood glucose level because the body does not break it down and digest it.

Most foods with high fiber content are healthy. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all contain naturally built-in fiber.

2. Limit Sugar

The amount of sugar that diabetic individuals should consume will be relative to the way in which their blood glucose responds to the sugar, but sugar is not an optimal dietary addition for anyone. Sugar consumption has been linked to weight gain, cancer and premature aging among many other things. Studies have shown that drinks that contain large amounts of sugar are connected to type 2 diabetes and thus, it is recommended by the American Diabetes Association that people limit their intake of sugary beverages.

3. Low Protein

A diabetes diet with a low protein content helps safeguard the kidneys. Diabetes contributes to kidney failure because elevated blood sugar damages the capillaries and nerves that promote adequate kidney function. Consuming large quantities of protein places undue stress on the kidneys, as they are the organs that must excrete protein-derived waste products from the body.

4. A diabetes diet should be low in saturated fats

Those with diabetes have one more good reason to avoid saturated fats. Saturated fat is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease onset and aggravate insulin response. Another benefit of reducing saturated fat intake is an acquired tendency to increase monosaturated fats, which are beneficial for overall health, particularly the heart.

A diet that includes the above four guidelines has the ability to prevent chronic diseases and support good health. In addition, it can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. As far as a diabetes diet, the rules can vary depending on how much restriction is required to control personal lipid levels and blood glucose, however, most people will benefit by following these guidelines fairly strictly.


By Peter Jenkins


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