Diabetes Mellitus Diet

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.


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