A diabetic diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. A diabetic diet is a healthy eating plan that is naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories.
Key elements are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.In fact, a diabetic diet is the best eating plan for most everyone.
Need to develop a healthy eating plan
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will likely recommend that you see a dietitian to help you develop a healthy eating plan. The plan helps you control your blood sugar (glucose), manage your weight and control heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high blood fats.
When you eat extra calories and fat, your body creates an undesirable rise in blood glucose. If blood glucose isn't kept in check, it can lead to serious problems, such as a high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) that, if persistent, may lead to long-term complications, such as nerve, kidney, and heart damage.
What does a diabetic diet involve?
A diabetic diet is based on eating three meals a day at regular times. This helps you better use the insulin that your body produces or gets through medication.
A registered dietitian can help you put together a diet based on your health goals, tastes, and lifestyle. He or she can also talk with you about how to improve your eating habits, such as choosing portion sizes that suit the needs for your size and activity level.
Results of a Diabetic Diet
Embracing your healthy eating plan is the best way to keep your blood glucose level under control and prevent diabetes complications. Aside from managing your diabetes, a diabetic diet offers other benefits, too. Because a diabetic diet recommends generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber, following it is likely to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. And consuming low-fat dairy products can reduce your risk of low bone mass in the future.
Embracing your healthy eating plan is the best way to keep your blood glucose level under control and prevent diabetes complications. Aside from managing your diabetes, a diabetic diet offers other benefits, too. Because a diabetic diet recommends generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber, following it is likely to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. And consuming low-fat dairy products can reduce your risk of low bone mass in the future.
Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan.
Adapted from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295