Diabetes is a diseases that is caused by eleveated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. This can be caused by the body being resistant to insulin, the hormone that aids the cells in metabolizing glucose for energy, or by a failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin for the body's needs. In either case, it is important to maintain positive control over the level of blood sugar to prevent some major health problems, including the possibility of entering a diabetic coma. There has been some disagreement in the past about what constitutes the best diet for diabetics.
For a very long time, those with diabetes were told to completely stay away from all carbohydrates and sugars. Because sugar is very easily and quickly turned into glucose in the bloodstream, it was usually thought to be the more harmful thing for the body. As a result, diabetics have relied on products with artificial sweeteners that eliminate the need for sugar in foods.
Currently, physicians understand that sugar and carbs are simply everywhere, so it is unrealistic to expect diabetics to avoid them completely. While it is true that there are artificial sweeteners out there that have zero calories and no carbohydrates, that does not mean that diabetics can safely use them.
Ultimately, the diet for diabetics that should be followed is identical to a healthy diet for anyone. This way, those with diabetes don't need to limit themselves so severely. The difference is that extra care should be taken to monitor and limit the number of carbohydrates consumed in each day. You have to look out for potatoes and pasta as much as sugary, sweet foods, as carbohydrates have sugars and starches in them as well.
A diabetic's diet should also work to incorporate an increased number of vegetables and fruits. The natural sugars contained in these foods are different from glucose; therefore, the body can use them without danger of elevating the blood's glucose level. In addition, they contain more fiber, which helps the body to eliminate waste better and make the person feel full so that fewer calories are consumed.
The old myth that families should prepare separate meals for the diabetic member(s) has been busted. The fact is that the best diet for diabetics is the same as the diet the rest of the family should follow. This includes many vegetables and fruits, and a balanced intake of starches and proteins, as well as the occasional fat. - 31875
For a very long time, those with diabetes were told to completely stay away from all carbohydrates and sugars. Because sugar is very easily and quickly turned into glucose in the bloodstream, it was usually thought to be the more harmful thing for the body. As a result, diabetics have relied on products with artificial sweeteners that eliminate the need for sugar in foods.
Currently, physicians understand that sugar and carbs are simply everywhere, so it is unrealistic to expect diabetics to avoid them completely. While it is true that there are artificial sweeteners out there that have zero calories and no carbohydrates, that does not mean that diabetics can safely use them.
Ultimately, the diet for diabetics that should be followed is identical to a healthy diet for anyone. This way, those with diabetes don't need to limit themselves so severely. The difference is that extra care should be taken to monitor and limit the number of carbohydrates consumed in each day. You have to look out for potatoes and pasta as much as sugary, sweet foods, as carbohydrates have sugars and starches in them as well.
A diabetic's diet should also work to incorporate an increased number of vegetables and fruits. The natural sugars contained in these foods are different from glucose; therefore, the body can use them without danger of elevating the blood's glucose level. In addition, they contain more fiber, which helps the body to eliminate waste better and make the person feel full so that fewer calories are consumed.
The old myth that families should prepare separate meals for the diabetic member(s) has been busted. The fact is that the best diet for diabetics is the same as the diet the rest of the family should follow. This includes many vegetables and fruits, and a balanced intake of starches and proteins, as well as the occasional fat. - 31875
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