Do you know the basics of a good diabetes diet?

Watch what you eat because diet is important in the management of diabetes.

By: Shilpa Mittal | | Updated: November 26, 2017 6:09 pm

Want good sexual health at 65? Go on a Mediterranean diet © Shutterstock

There s a common misconception that avoiding sugar and other sweets is all enough for diabetics. That s grossly inaccurate. The disease can be controlled by simply following a proper diet, taking your medications properly and getting enough exercise. Also Read - Diabetic women under 55 at risk of heart disease; Know what to include in your diet

Also Read - Daily consumption of this nut can reduce the risk of heart diseases in people with diabetes

The basic issue that diabetics face is that the body fails to convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy efficiently and their diet needs to counter that. While there is no diabetes diet per se, there are lots of food items that are considered good for diabetics. In fact it would do non-diabetics a world of good to follow these diet rules as well. Also Read - Does more fibre in your diet ensure less diabetes medicine?

The major components of healthy diet include

Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins

Carbohydrates in particular have a substantial effect on blood sugar levels. You would also need to monitor your total calories intake, fat consumption and protein intake. Diabetes and obesity is also synonymous and this requires them to monitor how much food they actually end up consuming.

Some quick dietary tips for diabetics:

Eat smaller meals
Eat more complex carbs brown rice, whole wheat bread, veggies and legumes
Overweight diabetics need a dietary regime which allows weight loss
Regular exercise helps the regulation of sugar levels and insulin.

Read more about diabetes

Diabetes and Glycaemic Index (GI)

The glycaemic index is the best indicator of how high your blood sugar levels will rise when you eat something. Technically speaking, the GI measures the level of rise of blood sugar levels with a 50-gram portion of food as compared to a base (pure glucose). All carbohydrates are digested and converted in the body to glucose, which causes a temporary rise in blood glucose levels or the glycaemic response.

Foods with glycaemic index more than 70 are rated as high, 56-69 as moderate, and less than 55 are rated as low. People should try to incorporate more low GI food items in their meals. Eating high GI food items can result in a sudden rise in sugar levels which is bad for diabetics. Also low glycaemic goods tend to be healthier, rich in vitamins, minerals and fibres and less refined whole fruits, vegetables and beans. It can also help you lose weight and lower body fat levels.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Here is how some common food items fare on the glycaemic index (The lower the glycaemic score, the better it is for diabetcis).

Food item (50g)	Glycaemic score
Glucose	100
Maize chappati	89
Baked potato	85
White bread	85
Bajra (Millet)	82
Multi-grain bread	46
Basmati rice	58
Whole-wheat bread	67
Noodles	47
Pasta	41
Apples	36
Milk	27
Rajmah	27
Baisan	39
Chana dal	16

Source: http://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com

It s important to note that the glycaemic response is modified by factors such as the quantity of food, the cooking method, degree of processing of food and various other factors. It s ideal you consult a dietician if you ve been diagnosed with diabetes. She/he can help you develop a personalised meal plan perfectly suited to your needs.

Living with diabetes is not hard, some exercise, medications and a proper diet can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Angioplasty is safe for the elderly (Expert speak)

The black dog called depression

About The health Site

Useful Links