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Diets for Diabetics

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps to convert food into fuel the body uses to function. Malfunctions in the insulin system can cause blood sugar, or glucose, levels to be too high or too low, which can be dangerous. The types of food you eat and the amount you eat affects blood sugar levels.

  1. Carbohydrates

    • Diabetics must monitor their carbohydrate intake to keep their blood sugar levels balanced. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. About half of a diabetic's diet should contain mostly vegetable carbohydrates, which are good, and only a minimal amount of the diet should include starchy carbohydrates, such as white bread. Refined, starchy carbohydrates like white bread tend to cause your blood sugar to spike, which places undo pressure on a diabetic's system.

    The Plate Method

    • The American Diabetes Association has provided a model to follow at meals called the Plate Method. It helps diabetics visualize what they should be eating without counting calories and carbohydrates. Half of the plate should be filled with non-starchy vegetables. This includes veggies such as broccoli, peas, and carrots. Potatoes and corn are starchy vegetables and are not included. A quarter of the plate should be filled with protein, such as fish, lean meat, poultry, nuts, or seeds. The remaining quarter of the plate is designated for whole grains, beans, fruit, or dairy (opt for the low fat variety). The best part about the plate method is that it is healthy for everyone, whether or not they have diabetes. If there is someone with diabetes in the family, the entire family can eat the same thing. The plate method encourages healthy eating habits which will help people obtain their ideal weight.

    Schedule Regular Meals

    • Blood sugar levels can dip to extremes if you wait too long to eat. You may become ravenously hungry and overeat on unhealthy food, which will cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar levels. This is why it is crucial to eat moderate-sized portion meals at regular intervals. Plan three meals a day following the plate method and have a few healthy snacks between the meals to balance blood sugar levels.

    Healthy Lifestyle

    • There are other things that affect blood sugar level besides food. Exercise and sleep can lower glucose levels. Healthy lifestyle habits support balanced hormone production, which can help someone manage diabetes and help those who are predisposed to diabetes stay healthy.

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