|
Diabetes mellitus is a complex, long-term
metabolic disorder. A person suffering from it can not effectively use a
natural chemical called insulin. Management of diabetes mellitus
requires an effective healthy regular lifestyle including a regular
balanced diet, regular exercise and sensible weight control.
Diabetes mellitus patients break down stored fat for energy with
difficulty. They also have a difficult time breaking down proteins. The
difficulty in breaking down fats can lead to production of acids and
poisonous chemical substances called ketones, a condition known as
ketoacidosis. It is a severe condition which can lead to coma.
When
diabetes mellitus is detected, your doctor is sure to tell you to make
changes in your eating habits, weight control and exercise programs, and
may even prescribe some drugs to keep the situation under check. You
should also undergo regular checkups. Dietary control is an integral
part of management of the diabetes patients. The perfect diet would be
such that apart from providing the essentials of good nutrition, it
should be open to adjustments from time to time for changing metabolic
needs, for example during growth, pregnancy, lactation or modified
activity. Below are some of the tips and health plans for diabetes
mellitus patients:
1) As a diabetes mellitus patient, you should try to reduce overall fat,
especially trans- fat commonly found in fried food. Use oils or foods
that are high in Omega-3 fatty acid, such as olive oil, rapeseeds oil,
flaxseed and flaxseed oil as they require lower insulin.
2) Refined carbohydrates and sugar from your diet should be avoided as
they increase the blood sugar immediately. Fruit should be the major
source of sweetness in your diet, as they are low in calories, high in
fibers, and many other minerals and vitamins which are essential for
keeping the body healthy.
3) Glycemic Index shows how much your blood sugar increases after eating
different foods. Higher glycemic index means that the food you had
eaten increases your blood sugar. With the help of it, you can always
keep the blood sugar level under control.
4) Protein should be minimized from your diet. Instead, use meat
substitutes or non-animal protein foods such as legumes tofu. Legumes
are excellent insulin regulators. Red meat should be avoided and fish
should be increased in your diet.
5) Some vegetables such as celery, bitter melon, onion, garlic, globe
artichoke, jerusalem artichoke, asparagus and spinach are vegetables
that lessen diabetes mellitus.
Your blood glucose level can go up if you eat too much. It is always
better to consult with your dietitian to make a meal plan that fits the
way you usually eat, that fits with your daily routine and that does not
confront with your diabetes medicines.
|
