Proper diabetes guidelines is completely important for those who already have it as same as for those who don’t.
Being diabetic is quite often these days and this is not something that should give you worries at all. In fact, this is quite normal condition that slightly changes your way of living mostly your diet.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes develops when the body can not properly respond to glucose. People that have diabetes usually have high levels of glucose in the blood if the condition is not controlled.
Types of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
- Type 1 may more likely to occur in younger people, usually up to age 40, although it can develop at any age.
This type develops when the cells inside the pancreas are destroyed do so preventing the production of insulin.
This type of diabetes is a rare phenomenon and affects 5% to 15% of diabetics.
It`s treated with insulin injections and a healthy diet.
- Type 2 diabetes usually develops at older people but recent statistics show that it occurs even in younger generations including children.
By doing daily exercises and practicing healthy life it can be treated, followed by regular consumption of medications, often insulin.
For both types of diabetes is extremely important to control levels of blood sugar and blood pressure to prevent long-term complications.
What is the risk of getting diabetes?
It is not quite simple to tell which people get Type 1 diabetes, but it’s presumed that people who have a close relative diagnosed with diabetes, develop diabetes.
You are more likely of getting type 2 diabetes if:
- have a relative with diabetes (parent, brother or sister)
- have overweight
- have more than 40 years
- you had diabetes during pregnancy
Can diabetes be prevented?
There is no reliable way to prevent diabetes. However, a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise and losing weight (if you are overweight), can delay the onset of this condition.
Diabetic products
Specialists do not recommend special products for diabetics. Food that is labeled “diabetic” is not necessarily healthier or more suitable for diabetics and is usually more expensive.
Many of the products that are labeled “diabetic” are cakes, chocolate, biscuits etc. A general recommendation is to avoid this food.
Diabetes Guidelines and Proper Diet
People with diabetes need to maintain a healthy weight and consume healthy food:
- Beans – Whether you will choose pinto, kidney, navy, or black beans, you wont made a mistake. High in magnessium, potassium and fiber, will give you about 1/3 of your daily requirement in just a ½ cup.
- Dark green leafy vegetables – collards, kale, spinach
- Sweet Potatoes – Packed with vitamin A and fiber
- Citrus Food – oranges, lemons, grapefruit or limes. Just pick one and fulfill your daily dose of fiber and vitamin C
- Berries – Your choice: strawberries, blueberries or any other member of this family. Full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.
- Fish packed with Omega 3 fatty acids – Salmon is on top of the list. 😉
Overall, diabetics can consume any type of food, though avoiding meals rich in fat and sugar. Cakes and biscuits should be poorly eaten, as a part of a balanced diet.
If you are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), sometimes you need a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. In such cases you should take a mild drink or glucose tablets, and soon after some starch meal, for example, sandwich.
By using proper diabetes guidelines, you will surely maintain your body in stable and healthy state, since this condition is not dangerous if it’s treated properly.