Diabetes is a disease that is marked by higher than normal levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. This is caused by many different things : your body's resistance to insulin, or a pancreas that doesn't generate the proper amount of insulin for you to function properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to convert glucose into energy. 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.
For a very long time, it was held that diabetics needed to avoid sugar and other carbohydrates, period. Sugar was regarded as the worst offender as it is more easily turned into glucose, which means it reaches the bloodstream more quickly than other carbohydrates. Many artificial sweeteners have been created that are supposed to replace sugar in a diabetic diet.
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. There are some brands of artificial sweeteners that don't add any calories or carbohydrates to food, but it's important to remember that just because a food is sugar-free doesn't guarantee it is safe for diabetics.
In all honesty, the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for other members of the family. It's entirely possible for diabetics to eat anything they like within reason. The main things that diabetics need to focus on is monitoring the amount of carbs that they eat every day. Carbohydrates include both sugars and starches, so foods like pasta and potatoes need to be limited just as badly as sweet foods with sugars in them.
Basically, your best bet is to eat more veggies and fruits as a diabetic. Vegetables and fruits do contain natural sugars, though these differ from glucose. Because of this, they don't affect the sugar levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, they'll also give you fiber, which will make you feel fuller and promote a lower calorie intake, as well as help you eliminate waste more efficiently.
It used to be said that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from non-diabetic meals; this is not true and has been debunked. The truth of the matter is, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for everyone else. It should be a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that includes some proteins and starches in moderation with few fats. - 30249
For a very long time, it was held that diabetics needed to avoid sugar and other carbohydrates, period. Sugar was regarded as the worst offender as it is more easily turned into glucose, which means it reaches the bloodstream more quickly than other carbohydrates. Many artificial sweeteners have been created that are supposed to replace sugar in a diabetic diet.
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. There are some brands of artificial sweeteners that don't add any calories or carbohydrates to food, but it's important to remember that just because a food is sugar-free doesn't guarantee it is safe for diabetics.
In all honesty, the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for other members of the family. It's entirely possible for diabetics to eat anything they like within reason. The main things that diabetics need to focus on is monitoring the amount of carbs that they eat every day. Carbohydrates include both sugars and starches, so foods like pasta and potatoes need to be limited just as badly as sweet foods with sugars in them.
Basically, your best bet is to eat more veggies and fruits as a diabetic. Vegetables and fruits do contain natural sugars, though these differ from glucose. Because of this, they don't affect the sugar levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, they'll also give you fiber, which will make you feel fuller and promote a lower calorie intake, as well as help you eliminate waste more efficiently.
It used to be said that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from non-diabetic meals; this is not true and has been debunked. The truth of the matter is, the best diet for diabetics is identical to the best diet for everyone else. It should be a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that includes some proteins and starches in moderation with few fats. - 30249
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Karl writes about subjects like diet for diabetics and best diet for diabetics on his blog.
