Diabetes Diet

Diabetes diet is to maintain normal blood glucose levels, it would be helpful to have reliable information on the effects of foods on blood glucose. For example, foods that are rich in carbohydrates, like breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables break down into glucose during digestion, causing blood glucose to rise. However, scientists don't know how each of these carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels. Research is also under way to learn whether foods with sugar raise blood glucose higher than foods with starch. Experts do know that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. A person with diabetes can ask a doctor or nutritionist about using this kind of information in diet planning.

Here's help getting started, from meal planning to exchange lists and counting carbohydrates. Having diabetes doesn't mean that you have to start eating special foods or follow a complicated diabetes diet plan. For most people, a diabetes diet simply translates into eating a variety of foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. This means choosing a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Consistency also is key, because your body responds to excess calories and fat by creating an undesirable rise in blood sugar. Rather than a restrictive diet, a diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. In fact, it's the best eating plan for everyone.

A diabetes diet is different from and easier than a weight loss diet. Some people find exercise helps greatly with blood sugar control. It has a lot to do with what has made you diabetic. If your problem is mostly insulin resistance, exercise is usually very helpful. If it is insulin insufficiency, exercise is beneficial but won't necessarily normalize blood sugars on its own. If you can't get to normal blood sugar levels by modifying what you eat and adding exercise, it's time to check out drugs that lower insulin resistance, most notably metformin.

Following your diabetes diet can help you keep your blood sugar level within your target range and it doesn't need to be a struggle. Start by meeting with a registered dietitian to learn about the diabetes exchange system. In the exchange system, foods are grouped into basic types starches, fruits, milk, meat, etc. Within each group, you'll see how much you can eat of various foods for the same amount of calories, carbohydrates and other nutrients. You can exchange or trade foods within a group because they're similar in nutrient content and the manner in which they affect your blood sugar. Your dietitian will recommend a certain number of daily exchanges from each food group based on your individual needs. Together you'll decide the best way to spread the exchanges throughout the day.