subject: Diabetes Diet Plan: The Basic Guidelines [print this page] Diabetes Diet Plan: The Basic Guidelines Diabetes Diet Plan: The Basic Guidelines
A diabetes diet plan is very helpful in reducing risks of complicating the current condition. There are simple guidelines that a diabetic patient must follow if he or she wants to avoid further complications. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases wherein there are high levels of blood sugar or glucose brought about by defects in the secretion of insulin, or action, or even both.
The first guideline in a diabetes diet plan is to control glucose intake, which can benefit those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. An improved glycemic control can reduce risks of developing diabetic complications in the eye, kidney, and nerves. What you can do is to properly combine your intake of low and high glycemic index foods. Physical exercise will also be beneficial because it will help control glucose of the body.
Another guideline is to eat lower fat food in order to control blood fats or lipids, especially triglycerides, HDL, and LDL. This can help reduce cardiovascular complications. Thus, choose to eat low cholesterol and low fat foods. Again, exercising will also help in maintaining the balance.
Aside from these types of foods to control, there are also other considerations when dieting so as to control the blood glucose at a healthy level. Routine is very important in dieting and is a standard guideline. Thus, you have to eat the same amount of food daily and you have to eat at almost the same hours. Another thing to remember is that medicines must be taken at the same times daily.
When choosing what to eat, combine foods from the various food groups such as fruits, vegetables, starches, meat, and dairy. Keep in mind as well your daily caloric needs to keep a healthy balance. It is important as well to limit the sweets and fats that you take per day. Avoid eating too much candies and chocolates.
In a diabetes diet plan, the patients should always remember what foods to control (or avoid), to exercise regularly, and to follow routines. These points will help in reducing risks of complicating diabetes.
