|
|
A Great Diet for Diabetics
The disease of diabetes is characterized by having excessive amounts of sugar, or glucose, in one's blood. Diabetes can be caused by a person's body being resistant to insulin (a hormone responsible for metabolizing glucose), or if a person's pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to sustain bodily functions. Whatever the reason, it is essential to keep control over your blood sugar levels; failure to do so could create serious health issues, including ending up in a diabetic coma. The best diet for diabetics is a topic that has caused a lot of arguments and debate.
The common conceit for people with diabetes was that they couldn't eat sugar and carbs at all, or risk serious health problems. Because sugar is very easily and quickly turned into glucose in the bloodstream, it was usually thought to be the more harmful thing for the body. As a result, diabetics have relied on products with artificial sweeteners that eliminate the need for sugar in foods.
Today, doctors accept the fact that diabetics are going to be exposed to sugar and other carbohydrates no matter how carefully they try to avoid them. While it is true that there are artificial sweeteners out there that have zero calories and no carbohydrates, that does not mean that diabetics can safely use them.
Quite honestly, the best diet for diabetics isn't any different from the best diet that other people in the family should follow. It's entirely possible for diabetics to eat anything they like within reason. The thing to remember is that a diabetic's daily carbohydrate consumption should be diligently monitored. Sugars and starches both are classed as carbohydrates, so dishes made with pasta and potatoes need to be downsized just the same as anything made with sugar.
Ideally, the diet should be adjusted to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruit and veggies contain natural sugars that can be used by the body but are just enough unlike glucose to stop them from raising the blood glucose level. Also, they have more fiber, which is not only instrumental in helping the body get rid of waste, it also makes you feel full, which leads to lower calorie consumption.
The old myth that families should prepare separate meals for the diabetic member(s) has been busted. As we said, the most effective diet for diabetics is the exact same foods that your whole family should be eating anyhow. This includes many vegetables and fruits, and a balanced intake of starches and proteins, as well as the occasional fat.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 32 | |
|
| More Articles from Diseases and Conditions | | |
| Top Articles in Diseases and Conditions | | |
|
