Healthy Eating Tips for the Diabetic
Nutrition and diabetes
A good diet is an indispensable tool for the good control of diabetes. A diabetic's diet should be focused on helping him normalize his blood glucose levels. Take note of the foods to include and avoid.
Healthy Eating Tips for the Diabetic
Updated: July 5, 2019
Eating a healthy diet is one of the keys to managing the diabetic patient. Here are some very useful tips to achieve it:
Control blood glucose level
When foods with a high glycemic index are ingested, the level of glucose in the blood increases very rapidly in the body, consequently insulin is secreted in high amounts; cells cannot burn as much glucose and fat metabolism is activated. This glucose is transformed into fat, which will later be stored in the adipose tissue. The insulin that we had managed to secrete, after two or three hours, uses all the glucose and we reached hypoglycemia, feeling the need to eat again.Therefore, foods containing a low glycemic index are to be preferred, with simple sugars being preferred, as far as possible. The consumption of whole grains and foods rich in fiber is recommended.Maintain an adequate weight
It is advisable to select healthy foods and stay physically active, to avoid being overweight and obese.Balance the ratio of nutrients
The optimal ratio in the supply of nutrients is 65% carbohydrates, 15% protein and 30% fat.In addition, the diet must provide an adequate amount of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, etc. It must be a project individualized to the needs of each person, their preferences and lifestyle.Adequate blood lipid level must be achieved
Diabetics, due to their metabolism, are one of the main risk groups for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, you should try to cook with less fat and limit the consumption of foods that are high in saturated fats, since they increase cholesterol levels.Try to consume fresh food and avoid processed food
It is preferable to consume fresh fruits, cereals or fresh vegetables, than processed foods such as industrial pastries, prepared meals, preserves ...Reduce or eliminate from your diet the amount of high-fat foods such as cold cuts, butter, salad dressings, pork fat, etc.Eat five times a day
Meal proportions should be smaller, for example smaller plates can be used.Maintain the balance of blood glucose, dividing the daily diet if possible in four or five meals.It is important to always eat at the same time, avoiding skipping meals and following the eating plan as best you can.Chew slowly.Caring for the kidneys
The kidney is usually an affected organ in diabetics, since it makes an overstrain when there is an absence of insulin, so excess sodium can be dangerous.Cook with less salt and cut down on foods high in sodium.Limit your intake of foods high in sugars, such as fruit flavored drinks, carbonated soft drinks, tea or coffee sweetened with sugar ...Limit alcoholic beverages.Eating high fiber foods
Among them are cereals, oats, brown rice, etc. Foods rich in fiber slow down the passage of food through the stomach and intestine, decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates.Practice physical exercise
The practice of physical exercise is an essential element along with diet and medication. Improvement:- Insulin sensitivity.
- Blood pressure figures.
- Weight reduction.
- The lipid profile.
- Cardiovascular function.
- Sense of well-being.
Written by Editorial Staff of: WebMD - Health Solutions
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.