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Understanding Diabetes: A Nutritional Approach to Diabetes

There are millions of people globally affected by the most prevalent disease, diabetes.

Diabetes is the most common chronic disease worldwide. To understand the nutritional approach and management for diabetes, firstly we have to understand the physiology of diabetes. This blog will describe the symptoms, diagnosis, and nutritional management of diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

When blood sugar levels consistently become high that is because of metabolic disorder diabetes. The hormone that helps glucose to enter the body cells is insulin. When the does not produce enough insulin or sometimes insulin is present in the body,  it can not use it. In both conditions blood sugar levels become high and cause diabetes.

There are three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes:

In type 1 diabetes the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells due to the autoimmune disorder in the pancreas.

  • Type 2 Diabetes:

Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in which insufficient insulin production occurs in the body. It occurs in adults over age 45 but also in young people.

  • Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women but it resolves just after childbirth. Due to gestational diabetes, the risk of type II diabetes in later life becomes increase.

Causes of diabetes

The causes of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes. Type I diabetes is mostly caused by some environmental and genetic factors. Type II diabetes is generally caused by lifestyle factors such as poor physical activity, obesity and poor diet. Gestational diabetes occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Family history of pregnancy can be a cause of diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Excessive hunger, weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and infections are the typical symptoms of diabetes. The symptoms may vary in different individuals but mostly the same.

Diagnosis of diabetes:

Several tests are used to diagnose diabetes like the Fasting blood sugar level test, Oral glucose tolerance test, and Hemoglobin A1C test. A Fasting blood sugar test measures blood sugar levels after fasting.The Oral glucose tolerance test measures the sugar level before and after taking sugary drinks. To check blood sugar levels over two to three months we use the Hemoglobin A1C test.

 

The Role of Nutrition in Diabetes Management

Nutrition has a direct impact on blood sugar levels in managing diabetes. A balanced food choices and diet can stabilize the blood sugar levels and prevent the further complications caused by diabetes.

 

  • Nutritional Goals for Diabetes

For diabetes management, key nutritional goals include monitoring carbohydrate intake and balancing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Balanced carbohydrate intake, proteins and fats can control the blood sugar levels in the body. Individual should manage the portion size of all the Macronutrients. Fibers help to slow sugar absorption hence controlling the blood sugar level in patients who have diabetes.

 

Nutritional Interventions for Diabetes

The most important thing that should be considered during diabetes management is carbohydrates. Which carbohydrates have to choose complex or simple and what glycemic index or glycemic load of the given carbohydrates?

  • Carbohydrate Counting:

For managing and controlling diabetes, the practical tool that should be used is Carbohydrate counting. To prevent high blood sugar levels, individuals should track the carbohydrates number that consumed so that they can match the insulin dose.

  • Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load:

For making better food and dietary choices, individuals should understand the terms glycemic index and glycemic load. So, what does glycemic index mean? It means how fast the carbohydrate raises the blood sugar level. Foods that contain 55 or less glycemic index can cause a low rise in blood sugar. On the other hand, foods that contain 70 or above glycemic index cause high blood sugar levels. The term glycemic load calculates both glycemic index and carbohydrate content of foods. And how they combine have an impact on blood sugar level.

 

Meal Planning in Diabetes

Each meal should include all the proportions of Macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as well as portion control. Your plate should contain one- quarter of whole grains along with half of non-starchy vegetables and one-quarter of lean protein.

Here are some different dietary preferences for meal planning:

  • Mediterranean Diet:

Mediterranean diet can be used to control diabetes. It includes plant-based foods as well as healthy fats. This diet is built around vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood.

  • Plant-Based Diet:

Plant based diet do not contain vegetarian or vegan diet pattern. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. This diet also help the diabetic patient to control its blood sugar levels.

  • Super-foods for Diabetes

Incorporating super-foods in your diet can be beneficial due to the antioxidant content in it.The important antioxidants which help to manage and control the blood sugar level in diabetic patients are following:

Green Leafy vegetables are high in vitamins and mineral content and low in calories. Nuts and seeds contain healthy fat content and fiber that manage the diabetes.whole grains are high in fiber and hypoglycemic that help to control blood sugar levels. Berries are also super-foods that contain antioxidants.

Lifestyle Changes to manage diabetes:

The life style changes like stress management, physical activity, exercise, sleep and healthy eating can majorly help the individual to make their quality of life healthy. These life style changes help to cope up with the diabetes condition and prevent further complications.

  • Physical Activity:

Along with healthy dietary pattern, regular physical activity and exercise are vitally important to manage diabetes. At least 150 minutes of physical activity each week is mandatory. Moderate aerobic activity which includes walking or cycling  as well as strength training exercises improve the insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.

  • Stress Management

Stress plays a crucial negative role in diabetes as it impact blood sugar levels. Different stress management techniques are used like meditation, deep breathing, yoga and living in nature. These stress management techniques can help to manage the diabetes.

Conclusion

Nutrition plays a critical role to deal with the diseased condition like diabetes.

At first a person should have to understand the condition properly by acknowledging the the symptoms of diabetes. After that by making wise dietary choices, a person can prevent the complications and significantly improve their quality of life. The small chances in your lifestyle and diet can make a big difference.

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