About Diabetes and Diet

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, approximately 23.6 million Americans suffer from diabetes with roughly 5.7 percent of that amount undiagnosed. People who suffer from diabetes have difficulty making and using their body insulin properly. Thus, eating a healthy diabetes diet will help control the body glucose level.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Generally, people with type 1 diabetes may have it, but don't know it. It also affects people of all ages. Type 11 diabetes accounts for a large percent of diabetic patients who have been diagnosed in the US and occurs due to obesity, physical inactivity, family history as well as old age. Gestational diabetes occurs largely during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth. 

Purpose

The main purpose of a healthy diet is to help the body manage its blood glucose level while controlling weight. Eating foods loaded with calories and fats increase the body glucose level. This excess blood glucose can create a myriad of life threatening problems such as hyperglycemia, kidney disease and heart disease. Eating healthy foods and losing those extra pounds can control the high glucose levels.

Healthy Foods

Diabetes patients will benefit by eating foods rich in fiber such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas, lentils) wheat bran as well as whole wheat, because these help reduce the risk of heart damage while controlling blood glucose levels. Eating fish such as cod, tuna and halibut has less fat, cholesterol and saturated fat than you would find in meat and poultry. A diet that includes mackerel, salmon and herring contains high levels of omega fatty acids, which lowers triglycerides in the blood promoting a healthier heart. Eat foods that have good fats to get the fats necessary for your body to function properly and lower your cholesterol levels by eating avocados, almonds, pecans, walnut, canola oil, olive oil and peanut oils.

Carbohydrates

Although carbohydrates are an essential part of any diet, it does create glucose and can increase your blood glucose level. Thus, it is crucial to avoid foods loaded with sugar and starches such as potatoes, white bread, white rice and eat moderate amount of carbohydrate foods daily at the same time.