The Diabetes Diet: Investigating the Best Eating Plans for Diabetics

There are several different types of diabetes and various ways to change your life to control the disease. The predominant two are Type-1 diabetes and Type-2 diabetes. Type-1 is insulin dependent. Insulin is produced in the body by the pancreas to control the sugar, or glucose, levels in the blood. Type-2 occurs due to reduced sensitivity or resistance to insulin. There is also a low or non-existent production of insulin for Type-2 diabetes. Exercise and a proper diet can help maintain the glucose levels in the blood.

There is debate on what the best diet plan for diabetes should be. A low-carbohydrate diet can improve the control of blood sugar levels with Type-2 diabetes. Some patients can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication. A low carbohydrate diet causes the body to use protein for energy. Another type of diet uses foods with a low glycemic index which will not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and to cut back on calories. A glycemic index is used to rate the effects food containing carbohydrates have on the sugar level in the blood. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, low carbohydrate diets have been shown to be more effective in reversing the effects of Type-2 diabetes.

Diabetes does not mean special foods or some complicated diet plan will be necessary. Eating a variety of foods in moderation and sticking to a regular meal schedule would be the diet plan. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains would be emphasized. A diabetic diet is eating healthy foods low in fat and calories as well as rich in nutrients. A dietitian can help create a healthy meal plan.

Counting carbohydrates can be helpful in planning a meal. A dietitian can teach you how to count the carbohydrates properly, especially if insulin is being taken. Adjustments to insulin dosages can be made according to the diet plan and carbohydrates in each meal or snack.

It's important for all diabetics to eat healthy carbohydrates. When digesting, sugars and starches breakdown into blood sugar. Healthy carbohydrates include be fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Eat fiber rich foods, such as whole-wheat flour, nuts, and wheat bran. Eat lean cuts of meat, fish, and eggs. Use low-fat substitutes and limit solid fats. Some ideas would be to use salsa or low-fat yogurt, instead of butter or margarine. Eating healthy is the best diabetic diet and controlling portion sizes.