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Medical pages:
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Medical: Diabetes - Disease Treatment
Newly Diagnosed? Why you need a Nutritionist
Every individual that has diabetes requires a dietary plan that is customized to suit their needs. A good
nutritionist will be able to assess the type of meal that an individual needs depending on overall concerns.
A nutritionist can come up with a dietary plan that will help them lose weight, while maintaining the nutrients
that their body needs.
Carbohydrates
Most carbohydrates that are introduced into the body are turned into glucose. What happens is that the glucose goes
into the body's blood stream. This in turn causes the body to release insulin. What insulin does is it causes
glucose to go from the bloodstream into the cells, where it will then become a stored energy source.
The important thing is to achieve a proper balance between the carbohydrates, having enough exercise and the right
amount of insulin. This is to make sure that the blood sugar level in the body remains regulated.
Regulate your meals
As much as possible, try to eat meals at the same time each day, and don't skip meals.
After eating, a person's blood glucose escalates. If a person eats a huge meal one day and eats a light meal the
next, his or her blood sugar level will become unstable.
Carbohydrates when absorbed turns into glucose. Individuals must keep track of the amount of carbohydrates that
they consume by reading food labels. Carbohydrates are usually measured in grams.
Support System
People who have just discovered that they have diabetes need a strong support system. During this time they might
feel extremely vulnerable. They would need emotional support. This is the time where family and friends come in
handy.
Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements against Diabetes
Administration of insulin is not the only solution to the management of
the disease. Vitamins and minerals can help.
- Vitamin D is a nutrient found in the body that contains calcium and phosphorus, chemicals needed for bone growth
and strength. It is formed on the skin, when cholesterol at the subcutaneous level interacts with the ultraviolet
rays of the sun. Traditionally known as the nutrient to combat osteoporosis (bones becoming brittle due to loss
of calcium), Vitamin D has been tested and found to prevent diabetes as well.
- Vitamin E. Health experts have concluded that
antioxidants help combat free radicals, bad cells in the body that cause diseases like cancer and type II
diabetes. Well, since type II diabetes is a condition of voluntary
cell dysfunction, antioxidants can help in this aspect. Antioxidants include among others, Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in milk, plant leaves and wheat germ oil.
- Minerals are inorganic nutrients that are essential in normal bodily functions as well as combat diseases, like
diabetes.
Magnesium and potassium are minerals that aid in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The proper breakdown and
synthesis of carbohydrate into simple sugars is a function that diabetics lack.
Chromium and zinc facilitate the recognition of insulin in the body.
- Organic Supplements
Blueberry is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants, which can address free radicals that cause body cells to
malfunction. They particularly improve sight, which can help alleviate diabetic blindness.
Mamordica Charantia (bitter melon) is a vegetable that is rich in nutrients that enhance the production of
beta cells, thus improving insulin production by the pancreas. In the Philippines, where the plant originates,
it is a recommended supplement. Chinese herbal medicine also swears by this plant.
Eat more vegetables and whole grains
Eat protein serving first to prevent diabetes
Like carbohydrates, protein are also converted into glucose by a process called gluconeogenesis.
New studies have shown that while and estimated 50% to 60% of protein consumed is converted to glucose,
it does not enter the bloodstream in the same manner as carbohydrates.
It is recommended that people at with or at risk of acquiring diabetes include more protein in their diets.
The suggested amount of protein is 15 to 20 percent of the daily calorie intake. The protein however should be
distributed throughout all the meals. In eating animal protein, one should make sure to choose only the lean
parts and combine them with non-animal protein like those found in vegetables.
The amount of protein intake must not increase 20 percent of calories though as this may lead to the development
of kidney disease. People with kidney problems should reduce the amount of protein intake to slow down or halt
the progression of the disease.
An advantage of having protein serving first during mealtime is that it can reduce the amount of carbohydrate
intake of your body. The logic here is that you would already fill full after the serving of protein so you would
have less inclination to consume carbohydrates.
Complex and simple carbohydrates
Complex and simple carbohydrates differ only in the rate at which they are converted to basic sugars.
Carbohydrates are converted to simple sugars from five minutes to 3 hours after consumption. Complex carbohydrate
breaks down slower than simple sugars. This means that the impact of simple sugars and complex carbohydrates in
the blood sugar level of individuals differs.
To help prevent diabetes, eat carb serving second
One way to reduce the amount of carbohydrates intake is to have carbohydrate servings second during mealtime.
The first servings of food during mealtime should be composed of food low in carbohydrates or high in fiber or
protein.
All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars. This is one fact that people should keep in mind. It doesn’t
matter if you are eating complex carbohydrates like brown rice or whole wheat bread or simple sugars like
candies and white sugar, they would all end up the same inside your body.
High fiber foods
It is also important to note that high fiber foods are usually low in sugars. This is why high intake of fiber
can also greatly reduce the risk of diabetes. People who are at risk of getting diabetes are advised to increase
their fiber intake by taking fiber supplements such as psyllium , guar gum, oat bran or glucomannan. They should
also consume more vegetables, fruits, whole wheat products and whole grain products.
Glycemic Index
The ability of different foods to raise blood sugar
varies and is measured through the glycemic index. Starchy, high carbohydrates foods raise the blood sugar and
have a high glycemic index. The idea behind low carb diets is to keep blood sugar low so your body won’t secrete
significant quantities of insulin which in turn wouldn’t put blood sugars and triglycerides into your fat cells.
Eating More Vegetables and Whole Grains Will Help Prevent Diabetes
Whole grains are good for you. Maintain a balanced diet including a lot of fruits and vegetables,
and not burgers and fries! Fried foods are high in calories and fat!
A healthy diet includes: food rich in fiber, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Consumption of poultry products should be regulated. The use of salt should also be measured. Also they should
drink plenty of water. It has been discovered that eating 5 to 6 small meals a day, is healthier than eating
loads of food at one sitting.
Food Journal
It would not be a bad idea for people who have diabetes to list down all the foods that they eat per day.
This will help them to maintain a healthy balance and balanced diet.
Exercise and weight loss
People who have diabetes will benefit tremendously from physical exertion. Exercising burns fat!
Walking is a great form of exercise. A simple walk around the block, or a long walk from the parking lot
to the grocery store will help!
Don't go on a crash diet!
Crash dieting to lose weight is never a good idea. In fact, this could lead to bigger problems. The lack of
nutrient that goes into the body because of crash dieting can greatly harm the body!
Switching to fresh fruits and vegetables instead of foods rich in calories is the best way to start a healthy
diet.
Recommended foods for diebetics
There are foods that have an insulin-like effect in the body when consumed. Some examples of these are: cucumbers,
garlic, soy, wheat germ, avocados, green beans, buckwheat, flaxseed oil, green vegetables (raw) and Brussels
sprout. People who believe that they are at risk of getting diabetes must increase their consumption of these
foods.
Intake of fiber can also greatly reduce the risk of diabetes. Individuals who are at risk of getting
diabetes are advised to increase their fiber intake by taking fiber supplements such as guar gum, psyllium, oat
bran or glucomannan. They should also consume more vegetables, fruits, whole wheat products and whole grain products.
Exercise protects you from diabetes
The exercises need not be strenuous. Simple aerobic activities like walking, running, swimming and cycling can greatly
improve blood sugar levels. Exercise improves the utilization of glucose by the muscles involved. This effect can
last up to more than two days. Blood fat profile and blood pressure which also affects diabetes also improves with
regular exercise.
Individuals, especially those who are already diabetic, must monitor their blood sugar level when exercising.
This is because exercise can either increase or decrease blood sugar. It is always advisable to ask your physician
before going into an exercise program.
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