Food for Diabetics
For most people, managing diabetes involves frequently and systematically monitoring insulin and blood glucose levels in their body in order to maintain good health. However, the lifestyle of a diabetic also significantly influences a diabetic’s overall health and quality of life. Choosing the most beneficial types and quantities of food for diabetics is essential in the daily regiment of a patient with diabetes. In conjunction with frequent and accurate monitoring of blood sugar levels, eating the healthiest food for diabetics is a sure way to repel the various health complications of the disease.
The Diabetes “Food Pyramid”
Similarly to the regular food pyramid, the Diabetes Food Pyramid regulates the ingestion quantity of certain foods for diabetics that are detrimental to maintaining a healthy balance of blood sugar and insulin. Ultimately, the purpose of the pyramid is to guide diabetics in selecting the appropriate ratios of food from various food groups in their diets.
The Food Groups
The Pyramid asserts that largest proportion of food necessary in a diabetic diet is grains and starches; this food group includes breads, oats, pastas, cereals, and starchy vegetables. The next largest proportion of food in a diabetic diet consists of fruits and vegetables. Low fat diary products contain significant amounts of protein as well as vitamins however; their consumption should not exceed two to three servings per day. Meat and meat substitution consumption should be limited to four to six ounces a day. The smallest proportion of food for diabetics is fats, sweets, and alcohol. This food group contains very little nutritious value and should be either restricted to very small servings or cut out entirely.
Take Control of Your Lifestyle
Constant and careful monitoring of your blood sugar is unfortunately not usually enough to ensure that your diabetes remains free of other health complications. An effective diabetic lifestyle necessitates the management of a healthy food diet. A proper diet naturally regulates blood sugar content and reduces the risk of heart disease. Take control of your lifestyle – including your diet, in order to increase your quality of life with diabetes!
Please keep in mind that this article on Food for Diabetics is intended solely as an informational document; consult a licensed physician before making any decisions regarding the management of individual cases of diabetes.
Source: “Using the Diabetes Food Pyramid”
The American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodpyramid.jsp
Tags: diabetic diet, diabetic food, diabetic lifestyle, food for diabetics
