Diabetes - Diet

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease. It can be controlled only by changes in your lifestyle. That includes diet and physical activity. On the eve of World Diabetes Day, we tell you what changes you should bring about in your diet, if you suffer from the condition -

There is no defined diet for a diabetic. Obesity is common among type 2 diabetics and a weight control program with life style changes are usually all that is required to control it. The key here is a thought to the caloric intake versus caloric output.

The patient should understand the effect of these changes on his blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure.
Carbohydrates
The average amount of carbohydrates recommended for patients with diabetes is 60 to 65% of the total caloric intake.Whole wheat bread, whole grain pastas, and Oatmeal are healthy source of carbs.

Fats
Fats consumed should be about 20% of the total calorie intake.
In type 2 diabetes, controlling weight is usually the key. In overweight persons or those with dyslipidemia (disruption in amount of lipids in the blood), fat intake should be reduced to as low as 15% of the total intake. This is so that the saturated fat is replaced by unsaturated and monosaturated fat. Food consumed should be low in calories as well.
Olive oil, nuts and fish are good sources of monosaturated fats.

Proteins
Proteins consumed should be 20% of the total daily caloric intake. There has been no evidence to indicate that patients with diabetes need to have lower than the average intake.
Lean meat, milk, tofu etc. are good sources of protiens. Add heathy portions of lentils in your diet too.

Fiber
People with diabetes cannot process sugar properly. The fiber in carbohydrates helps protect against Type 2 diabetes.

Most foods high in fiber is low in sugar. Replace high-sugar foods with whole foods like beans, whole raw fruit, and pasta. High-fiber supplements, such as psyllium, guar gum (found in beans), pectin (from fruit), oat bran, improve glucose tolerance. Eat more fruits, vegetables, seeds, oats, and whole-grain products. It is also recommended to consume 1-3 ounces of powdered fenugreek seeds per day.

Alcohol
The effect of alcohol on blood glucose in diabetics has always been confusing. Patients with diabetes should avoid or limit the use of alcohol as predicting its effect on blood sugar levels is difficult.
Tthe effect of alcohol on blood sugar levels depends not just on the amount of alcohol but on the food and the amount consumed.

Triglycerides can increase, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, worsening hyperlipidemia. Since insulin is not required to metabolize alcohol, no food group should be eliminated from the calculated intake.
Consumption of alcohol adds calories. Therefore, patients with pancreatitis, dyslipidemia, or neuropathy should especially avoid the use of alcohol.

Smoking
Diabetics who smoke are at higher risk for kidney damage, heart disease, and other diabetes-linked problems.
Beneficial foods
* Onions, garlic, cinnamon, high fiber foods, beans, lentils, fenugreek seeds, barley, broccoli. * Whole grains specially millet and wheat. * Vegetables whole and cooked fruits

The following foods have an insulin-like action and should be included regularly
* Brussels sprouts * Cucumber, garlic * Green beans * Oatmeal or oat flour, wheat germ, buckwheat * Soya bean and tofu * Raw green vegetables * Avocados
Foods to avoid
* Foods rich in fat, especially animal foods * Sugar * White flour, sago * Papad, pickle * Fruit juice, milk shakes, aerated drinks * Fried foods, sweets and desserts