Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the mechanism for converting glucose into energy no longer functions properly. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is needed to convert glucose into energy. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin, diabetes appears. This causes abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood, leading to a variety of symptoms. High glucose levels for several years can damage parts of the body.

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed before 40 years of age, there is a complete or almost complete absence of insulin due to the destruction of the producing cells insulin. Insulin treatment is essential for survival and treatment is performed by insulin injections and diet. In type 2, the body still produces insulin but either does not produce enough or not working properly. Treatment can be only through diet or with diet and pills and sometimes also with insulin. In the past, type 2 was assumed that only affect people over 40 years, but is now even affecting younger people.

Dietary Recommendations

The recommended diet for people with diabetes is a healthy diet, which is what I recommend to everyone. Dietary requirements may vary with age, weight and activity level. Your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist for advice on your specific case.

The main points to remember

• Eat regular meals and a snack if necessary
• Include in each meal a starchy food
• Choose foods high in fiber
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily
• Avoid saturated and Trans fats
• Limit sugar and sugary foods
• Limit salt
• Control your weight

What follows are detailed suggestions for a daily regimen at meals.


How to eat more fiber

A diet rich in fiber is important for diabetes. Soluble fiber from legumes such as peas, beans and lentils and is in vegetables, fruits and oats is particularly good to control sugar levels in the blood. No fiber in animal products, so the vegan diet has a clear advantage. When we eat more fiber is important to drink plenty of fluids.

Fruits and vegetables

Try to consume at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables-a small glass of fruit juice counts as a serving, but should be taken with a meal; too much fruit juice can greatly increase sugar levels in the blood. If you choose canned fruit, sweet in natural juice instead of syrup. Eat only small amounts of nuts, it is a concentrated form of sugar.
Fat

The recommendations are to reduce saturated fats, which are found mainly in animal products such as meat, butter, lard and dairy products. Reduce overall fat helps control weight, which in turn helps to control diabetes. If you use oil, choose one unsaturated such as olive or canola. Choose vegetable pates made with no hydrogenated fats. Uses less oil for cooking grilled -Cook, poach or bake instead of fry. Beware of hidden fats in cakes, biscuits and convenience foods, as well as comfortable vegan foods such as sausages, pies and burgers.

How to reduce your sugar intake?

It is important to avoid large amounts of sugar and sugary foods, but it is not necessary to reject all the sugar. As part of a meal high in fiber, a small occasional serving of a dessert containing sugar do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and high in fat and calories, so do not help control blood levels or weight. There are many low-sugar that can be healthier choices.

Choose the jams with little or no added sugar and sugarless jams and desserts. Use fresh fruit as a snack. To the extent that your daily food regimen is healthy, sporadic celebratory meal or a small amount of chocolate or cake will not hurt.

The salt

Too much salt in the diet can raise blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease or a heart attack. Much of the salt we consume is in processed foods. Limit salty foods like potato chips, peanuts and soy sauce. Try to use less salt in cooking and at the table or use a low-sodium alternative.

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so do not drink on an empty stomach. Keep sensible limits - no more than 2-3 units a day for women and no more than 3-4 units a day for men. One unit is equivalent to one glass of beer or a small glass of wine. Mix with sugar-free drinks or light.

The glycemic index

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly or slowly than carbohydrates from food is absorbed. Many health professionals advocate a diet containing foods with a low GI, as they are more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a smaller increase in the levels of blood sugar, and help to maintain levels of blood glucose stable. Most foods with a low glycemic index are healthy foods: for example, porridge, muesli, beans and legumes, paste, noodles, nuts and seeds, whole grains, pita bread or sweet potato.

Exercise

To get the benefits, exercise needs to be carried out regularly. This will help control both your blood sugar levels and weight. It is recommended at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise five times a week, but check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.