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Diabetes diet
Definition:
Specific diabetic dietary guidelines have been developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association to improve the management of diabetes. Key principles are to: - Achieve weight control through reducing calories
- Reduce intake of dietary fat (specifically saturated fat)
- Individualize guidelines for carbohydrates based on the type of diabetes you have and the control of your blood sugar levels.
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Alternative Names:
Diet - diabetes
Function:
There are 2 primary types of diabetes. The nutritional goals for each are different. With type 1 diabetes, studies show that total carbohydrate has the most effect on the amount of insulin needed and the maintenance of blood sugar control. There is a delicate balance of carbohydrate intake, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for the best blood levels of a sugar called glucose. If these components are not in balance, there can be wide fluctuations -- from too-high to too-low -- in blood glucose levels. For those with type 1 diabetes on a fixed dose of insulin, the carbohydrate content of meals and snacks should be consistent from day to day. For children with type 1 diabetes, weight and growth patterns are a useful way to determine if the child's intake is adequate. Try not to withhold food or give food when a child is not hungry. Insulin dosing and scheduling should be based on a child's usual eating and exercise habits. With type 2 diabetes, the main focus is on weight control, because 80% - 90% of people with this disease are overweight. A meal plan, with reduced calories, even distribution of carbohydrates, and replacement of some carbohydrate with healthier monounsaturated fats helps improve blood glucose levels.
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