Diabetes – Diet and Weight Management
Effective diabetic-management requires a healthy regular lifestyle which should include a regular balanced diet, regular exercise and sensible weight control.
Despite diabetes being a condition of sugar regulation, specific restriction of sugars is not necessary, except as part of ensuring a balanced diet overall.
How to Reduce Complications of Diabetes
Glucose Control
Research studies in the United States and abroad have found that improved glycemic control benefits people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In general, for every 1 percent reduction in results of A1C blood tests, the risk of developing microvascular diabetic complications (eye, kidney, and nerve disease) is reduced by 40 percent. Choosing a healthy diet with the right mixture of low and high glycemic index foods, and exercising regularly, is a good way to maintain glucose control.
Control of Blood Fats/Lipids – Lower Fat Diet
Improved control of cholesterol and lipids (for example, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) can reduce cardiovascular complications by 20 to 50 percent. Choosing a lower fat, low-cholesterol diet, combined with regular exercise makes fat control more effective.
Diabetic Diet Advice – Points to Remember
What, when, and how much you eat all affect your blood glucose level. You can keep your blood glucose at a healthy level if you:
- Eat about the same amount of food each day.
- Eat at about the same times each day.
- Take your medicines at the same times each day.
- Exercise at the same times each day.
- Every day, choose foods from these food groups: starches, vegetables, fruit, meat and meat substitutes, and milk and yogurt. How much of each depends on how many calories you need a day.
- Limit the amounts of fats and sweets you eat each day.