Diabetes is a disease that is marked by higher than normal 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 many years, it was thought that people suffering from diabetes should avoid sugar and other carbohydrates at all costs. Sugar was considered to be the worst offender because it is more easily broken down into glucose, therefore it gets into the bloodstream faster than other carbohydrates. Many artificial sweeteners have been created that are supposed to replace sugar in a diabetic diet.
Today, doctors accept the fact that diabetics are going to be exposed to sugar and other carbohydrates no matter how carefully they try to avoid them. Artificial sweeteners do exist that add no carbohydrates or calories to foods, but just because a food is sugar free does not mean that it is especially safe for diabetics.
In all honesty, the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for other members of the family. Diabetics can continue to enjoy all of the foods that they love. The difference is that extra care should be taken to monitor and limit the number of carbohydrates consumed in each day. Carbohydrates include both sugars and starches, so foods like pasta and potatoes need to be limited just as badly as sweet foods with sugars in them.
Ideally, the diet should be adjusted to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods include natural sugars that the body can use but are different from glucose in enough ways to keep them from increasing the blood 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 myth that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from the rest of the family has been disproven. The fact is that the best diet for diabetics is the same as the best diet for the rest of the family. It should be a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that includes some proteins and starches in moderation with few fats.
Sat, Oct 24, 2009
General