A Healthy, Regulated Diet Keeps Diabetes Under Control

Oct 8
07:23

2010

Ernie Reynolds

Ernie Reynolds

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Diabetes need not be the crippling disease it has the potential to be. With the proper diet and lifestyle modifications, the diabetic can lead a long and healthy life.

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Eating nutritious,A Healthy, Regulated Diet Keeps Diabetes Under Control Articles wholesome food in the right quantities is beneficial for all beings, especially diabetics. One key to maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is to be consistent in your eating habits by following some type of diabetic diet.

There is no "magic diet" that will work wonders for everyone, but rather, by using common sense and following proper nutrition guidelines, the body can be kept in optimum condition. It will take some vigilance in the beginning to get things worked out, but once in place, a healthy diet will result in proper glucose levels and better overall health.

The Diabetic Food Pyramid is a good reference to use when planning what types of foods to eat and their quantities. Special attention should be given to carbohydrate intake as this helps to regulate the body's insulin levels and requirements.

The bread, cereals and rice group makes up the base of the pyramid. 6 to 11 servings a day are recommended for foods in this category. Many of these foods are high in fiber, which helps in blood sugar control, can lower the risk of heart disease and can help you feel full so you eat less.

Fruits and vegetables combine to make up the next layer. 3 to 5 servings a day are ideal and this should be easy to accomplish. These types of food are very nutritious and lend themselves to many different recipes.

Next up on the pyramid are the milk, cheese and meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs and nuts groups. This is a large group of foods which makes for a very diverse menu. 2 to 3 servings of these foods a day are recommended.

Finally there is the fats, oils and sweets group. Although these are some of the most tempting things to eat, they should be consumed sparingly. Fats are dangerous to the diabetic diet as they can result in higher blood sugar levels and cause weight gain as well.

Speaking of weight gain, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid excess weight. This makes the body work harder to produce and regulate insulin. Hypo or hyperglycemia can result from improper insulin levels.

Foods high in soluble fibers are especially beneficial to diabetics.

Whole grains, nuts, seeds and some fruits and vegetables contain fiber that helps to regulate the absorption of glucose in the intestines. These foods act as "internal scrubbers" to keep the lower gastrointestinal tract in good shape.

A competent dietician can recommend a diet that is ideal for you. Life style, weight, other medical issues and your favorite types of foods will all be considered when making up a plan that will keep you healthy and satisfy your desires for certain types of food.

Of course your doctor should be consulted before making any radical lifestyle or diet change to ensure your continued good health.

A well -structured diabetic diet can be just the ticket to optimum health and wellbeing in your life. It may take a little effort as first to implement, but the health results will definitely be worth it in the long run.

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