Diabetes Diets: Eating Right With Diabetes

There can be little doubt that specially-designed diabetes diets are vital for the health of those suffering from a lack of insulin production. But it should be pointed out that diabetes diets can also help those who are simply at risk for the disease. While views vary about the best types of diets for those with diabetes, there are some general principles which govern healthy eating for diabetics.

Physicians recommend that those with type 1 diabetes follow a diet that consists of about 16 calories per pound of body weight each day, or 35 calories per kilogram of body weight each day.

Those suffering from type 2 diabetes should maintain a diet of 1500 to 1800 calories a day in order to achieve weight loss and to maintain a healthy body size. Still, the optimum number of calories may vary, depending upon an individual’s activity level and build.

Those who are obese, for instance, may require more calories at the beginning of the program until they can achieve a reduction in their weight. Also, in general, men need more calories because they have greater muscle mass than women.

Researchers say that half of a diabetic’s daily calories should consist of carbohydrates. This is because a diet low in carbohydrates has been linked to lower blood sugar levels. Also, diabetics should try whenever possible to consume monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats rather than saturated fats. In general, for the sake of good nutrition, it is important for the diabetic to have carbs, fats, and proteins in their daily diets.

It can be essential for people with diabetes to count carbohydrates. Consuming carbs makes your blood glucose level rise. Therefore, if you know how many carbs you’ve consumed, you’ll have some idea what your blood glucose levels will be.

Increasing your carb intake will cause your blood sugar to jump.
It is also important for you to know where your carbs are coming from. The majority of carbohydrates in the typical diet come from starch, fruit, and dairy products. Foods classified as meat and fats have little in the way of carbs.

Any food that contains glucose, fructose, or sucrose contains sugar. However, you may be surprised to learn that sugar does not cause the blood sugar to rise any higher than other carbs. Generally speaking, drinking a sugary soft drink is a waste of calories, however, because it provides nothing in the way of protein, vitamins, or minerals. Also, high-sugar foods have a higher concentration of carbs.

You should also be aware of the fact that high-sugar foods tend to consist of a great deal of fat, which can accelerate weight gain.

In general, diabetics should avoid cakes, cookies, and ice cream because of their high fat content and little nutritional value. As an alternative, diabetics can eat sweet-tasting but low-fat treats such as frozen yogurt or graham crackers.

Eating an appropriate diet is essential to the overall health of diabetes patients. Diabetes diets tend to be low in fat and calories, making them appropriate for the entire family. While diabetes diets may require a lifestyle change, they are certainly well worth the effort in the long run.