The Diabetes Manager

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are progressive conditions for which there is, at present, no known cure. Even so, sufferers of either version of diabetes are generally able to enjoy a high quality of life with proper treatment. Perhaps the most important factor in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is following a nutritious and appropriate diet.

The Type 1 version of diabetes is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to generate a sufficient insulin output. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream and renders the body unable to use it to produce energy in the normal manner. At some point, the internal systems are not putting out any insulin. While insulin injections are mandatory for Type 1 sufferers, they can supplement their management of this disease by implementing a healthy dietary regimen, which will serve as a complement to the required insulin treatments.

Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. It is imperative that the carbohydrates consumed, insulin and physical activity must all be carefully balanced to that the blood sugar, or glucose, levels will remain in acceptable ranges. When diet, insulin and activity are out of balance, there will be large fluctuations in glucose levels. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes who take fixed doses of insulin every day should make sure that the carb content of their daily meals and snacks is consistent as well.

With Type 2 diabetes, the problem lies not in the body’s production of insulin, but in it’s response to insulin. Type 2 has been shown to be at least partially connected to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. This means that the nutritional goals for people with Type 2 diabetes will be slightly different. In this diet, the thrust is to reduce excess body fat and lose weight. Of all Type 2 diabetics, an astounding eighty to ninety percent are overweight. A dietary regimen for these individuals concentrates on eating healthy foods and reducing the intake of high fat items, in addition to substituting nutritious carbohydrate snacks such as peanut butter for inferior types of carbohydrate fare which are loaded with saturated fat and therefore harmful to the Type 2 sufferer. This diet will help the Type 2 diabetic to lose weight and maintain steady, healthy glucose levels.

Changes in eating habits combined with increased physical activity will help to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control. Carbohydrate consumption should come from healthy whole grains, pasta, brown rice, beans and fresh fruit and vegetables rather than heavily processed foods. Once in a while, it is ok to splurge on some junk food as a special treat. However, on that special occasion when cake or pie is consumed, it is important to keep this in mind and reduce other carbohydrates accordingly so as not to offset the careful balance with glucose levels. This will help you to be sure that calories and carbohydrates are balanced, and glucose levels are kept in line.

Diabetes is a severe health concern which can lead to devastating health problems and can even be fatal. In some cases, it can be managed through modifications to your diet. If you’re looking for a diabetic diet menu or other guidelines on managing the condition, visit Diabetes Treatment.

No related posts.

Comments are closed.