Diet plays an important role in managing diabetes. All diabetic patients should know what to eat
and what to avoid. This article will help you know about the diabetes foods and nutritional
requirements for diabetics.
Diabetes Foods
Foods that can be
eaten as much as one wants – Green leafy vegetables, fruits except banana, lemon; clear soups,
onion, salads, mint, spices, plain coffee or tea, skimmed and butter milk
Foods that can
be eaten in moderation – Fats, meat, egg, cereals and pulses
Foods to be avoided
– Simple sugars (glucose, syrup, sweets and honey), dried fruits, cake, fried foods, candy,
alcohol and nuts
Nutritional Requirements for Diabetics
Carbohydrates – High carbohydrate and high fiber diet improve insulin
binding and increase in monocyte insulin receptor binding. High carbohydrate diet is likely to
elevate serum triglyceride levels (endogenous cholesterol). Hence carbohydrate is maintained to
about 50% of total calories. Most carbohydrates should be in form of polysaccharides such as bread,
cereals, beans, etc. Rapidly absorbed mono and disaccharides such as sweets, chocolates and
sweetened drink should be avoided.
Proteins – A diet high in
protein is good for the health of diabetics because it supplies the essential amino acids needed for
tissue repair. Protein does not raise blood sugar during absorption as do carbohydrates and it does
not supply as much calories as fat.
In patients with NIDDM, consumption of protein along
with carbohydrate will lower the blood glucose concentration due to amino acid stimulation of
insulin secretion; this help to compensate for the defect in glucose mediated insulin secretion seen
in so many of these patients. Protein also promotes satiety and helps both types of diabetic
patients to adhere to the carbohydrate allowance.
Fats – Low fat
diet increases insulin binding and also reduces LDL and VLDL levels and lowers the incidence of
atherosclerosis which is more common in diabetics. Fat content in the diet should be 15-25% of total
calories and higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Dietary Fiber
– Diets high in carbohydrate and fiber improve glucose metabolism without increasing
insulin secretion. They lower fasting serum and peripheral insulin concentrations in response to
oral glucose administration in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Fenugreek seeds which
contain high fiber are useful to diabetics.
Artificial Sweeteners -
High content of sugar consumption is undesirable for diabetics and for obese individuals.
Non-caloric and high intense sweeteners are available as sugar substitute. These sweeteners are as
sweet as sucrose, have a pleasant taste, are colorless, odorless, readily soluble, stable,
functional and economically feasible.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide
health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health
professional before embarking on any health program.
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