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Low Calorie Diets for Diabetics

When you have contracted diabetes it is extremely important to monitor and manage your diet. An appropriate diet can even lead to a full recovery from diabetes, depending on the type. One type of diet, which generally results in rapid weight loss, is the low-calorie diet. Because the diet generates rapid weight loss it is sometimes able to eliminate the factors contributing to the condition in the first place.

  1. Understanding Calorie Intake

    • Before beginning a low calorie diet it is important to understand all you can about calories themselves. The calorie is a metric unit of food energy. Generally speaking, the average person should maintain a diet of about 2,000 calories a day. However, in order to lose weight one must cut those calories. To determine your ideal caloric intake simply multiply your ideal weight by 12 to 15 calories. The exact number of calories to multiply by is determined by your age, gender and activity levels. Older people, women and those who are less active tend to burn less calories, so they should stay towards the 12 calorie end, whereas younger people, males and those who are highly active can multiply by a higher number, even up to 25. Fat intake should always be less than 30 percent of caloric intake. Scientists have found that 1 pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories, so if you cut 500 calories from your daily intake that is one less pound of fat you have consumed that week.

    Diabetic Considerations

    • Remember that even moderate weight loss is incredibly important in treating and managing diabetes. In fact, some types of diabetes can be completely alleviated simply through weight loss. The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics attempt to lose 1/2 - 1 pound a week, and stick to a calorie intake of 1,200 to 1,600 for women and 1,200 to 1,600 for men. Many fad diets have been shown to work, however, when choosing one ensure that it is safe and healthy. Always remember insulin considerations. Try a diet that appeals to your tastes, as this will increase the likelihood of success. Those overweight and with Type 2 Diabetes should set a goal of 7 percent weight loss in order to see results.

    Very Low Calorie Diet

    • The Very Low Calorie Diet or (VLCD) is a special diet in which pre-prepared formulas, such as liquid shakes or bars, are used to promote significant weight loss in a short amount of time. This diet should only be undertaken under the supervision of a doctor. While the diet has been known to be very effective, it does come with some health concerns. VCLD's preparations are very specific and contain all vital nutrients and vitamins; meal replacements found at the grocery store or pharmacy are not intended for VLCD's. The diet cannot be maintained for a lengthy period of time, and is generally intended as a precursor to a long-term weight management system. Adverse effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue; however, these symptoms only last a few weeks. VLCD's can also increase cholesterol and cause gallstone formation.

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