The #1 Diabetic Diet

By Karl Graus

The disease of diabetes is characterized by having excessive amounts of sugar, or glucose, in one's blood. This is caused by many different things : your body's resistance to insulin, or a pancreas that doesn't generate the proper amount of insulin for you to function properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to convert glucose into energy. Whatever the reason, it is essential to keep control over your blood sugar levels; failure to do so could create serious health issues, including ending up in a diabetic coma. The best diet for diabetics is a topic that has caused a lot of arguments and debate.

For a very long time, it was held that diabetics needed to avoid sugar and other carbohydrates, period. The reason for this is because sugar is easily broken down into glucose, and as a result it enters the bloodstream faster than other carbohydrates. As a result, diabetics have relied on products with artificial sweeteners that eliminate the need for sugar in foods.

Medical professionals today have realized that in this day and age, there is little they can do to prevent diabetics from being exposed to sugar and other carbohydrates. Artificial sweeteners do exist that add no carbohydrates or calories to foods, but just because a food is sugar free does not mean that it is especially safe for diabetics.

Ultimately, the diet for diabetics that should be followed is identical to a healthy diet for anyone. It's entirely possible for diabetics to eat anything they like within reason. The difference is that extra care should be taken to monitor and limit the number of carbohydrates consumed in each day. You have to look out for potatoes and pasta as much as sugary, sweet foods, as carbohydrates have sugars and starches in them as well.

A diabetic's diet should also work to incorporate an increased number of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits do contain natural sugars, though these differ from glucose. Because of this, they don't affect the sugar levels in the bloodstream. Fruits and vegetables also contain more fiber, which have the effect of improving bowel movements and making one feel more full, thus curbing one's appetite.

The myth that diabetic meals should be prepared separately from the rest of the family has been disproven. As we said, the most effective diet for diabetics is the exact same foods that your whole family should be eating anyhow. It should be a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that includes some proteins and starches in moderation with few fats. - 29887

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