Low-Fat Vs. Low-Calorie Diets for Diabetics

Blood sugar levels rise above the normal range of 70 to 130 mg/dl before meals and more than 180 mg/dl after meals in patients with diabetes. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 20.8 million people or 7 percent people in the United States have diabetes. It also states that the risk of heart disease and stoke is two to four times more in diabetics. Lifestyle changes, especially diet, play an important role in the management of this disease. A number of diets are suggested for diabetics and this can be confusing for patients.

Low-Fat Diets

• A low-fat diet is one in which the amount of saturated fats, cholesterol and trans fats are restricted in order to control diabetes. Although some amount of fats and oils are essentail in the diet, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that monounsaturated fatty acids, found in avocados,nuts, olive oils and canola oil, should be given preference. Twice a week, consume omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, available from fish and shellfish. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in safflower, sunflower and corn oils, helps in reducing blood pressure and improving insulin resistance. Avoid fatty meat products(especially red meat), poultry with skin, whole-fat dairy products and fried foods to follow this type of diet. The American Diabetes Association also states that following a low fat diet helps lose weight faster in the short term.

  A study conducted by Dr. N. D. Barnard, published in the journal Diabetes Care (2006 issue), determined the effect of a low fat vegan diet on diabetics. Only 10 percent of the calories consumed were from fats in this diet, which mainly consisted of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. Its results revealed that those eating a low fat vegan diet lose more weight than those following a regular low calorie diet. The National Heart, Lungs and Blood Institute's guidelines for a low fat diet suggest less than 7 percent of total daily calories from saturated fats and less than 200mg of cholesterol per day.

Low calorie diets

• A low calorie diet is one in which the number of calories from all food groups is restricted. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a good way to calculate your daily calorie intake is to multiply your ideal weight by 12 or 15 depending on your activity level. For example a moderately active 135 pounds woman would need 1620 kilocalories per day. Women should consume at least 1000 to 1200 kilocalories per day while men should consume a minimum of 1200 to 1600 kilocalories daily. Fat intake should not exceed 30 percent of total calories.

  However, experts do not suggest a low carbohydrate diet to lower your total calorie intake. According to a report published in December 2009 in the Times of India, the Diabetes Journal conducted a study that proved that shunning carbohydrates from the diet leads to 25 percent more chances of developing clogged arteries, which can cause heart attacks.

  The ADA states that people following a low carbohydrate diet should constantly monitor their blood cheloesterol and triglyceride levels since this diet is generally high in fats and proteins. Kidney patients should avoid this diet since high amounts of proteins can worsen their condition.