Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are progressive physical conditions for which there is no cure. Even so, sufferers of either version of diabetes are generally able to enjoy a high quality of life with proper treatment. Perhaps the most important factor in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is following a nutritious and appropriate diet.
Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease in which cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The result of this problem is an accumulation of glucose in the system, which cannot be utilized in the proper way to generate energy. At some point, the internal systems are not putting out any insulin. While those with Type 1 diabetes have no choice but to take daily insulin injections, they can further improve their management of the disease by making dietary adjustments in addition to the insulin treatments.
Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. There is a balance that must be maintained between the amount of carbohydrates consumed, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for maintaining the proper levels of glucose (blood sugar). If any of these factors fluctuate excessively, this can throw sugar readings into an unstable state. This is why it is imperative that people with Type 1 diabetes taking fixed doses of insulin should watch their carb intake closely at every meal and snack.
Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 in that it is a problem with the body's response to insulin, rather than a problem with the production of insulin itself. Type 2 diabetes is linked, in part, to lack of exercise and excess body weight. This means that the nutritional goals for people with Type 2 diabetes will be slightly different. With Type 2 diabetes the primary focus becomes losing weight and being sure not to gain it back. Eight to ninety percent of Type 2 diabetes sufferers are overweight; some are even obese. Meal planning for these people should involve reducing their calorie intake, eliminating or cutting down on foods high in saturated fat, an even distribution of carbohydrates, and the replacement of some carbohydrates high in saturated fat with healthier monounsaturated fats like peanut butter, almonds, and other types of nuts. In addition to helping with weight control, this will also help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
Following this diet along with increasing the level of physical activity will reduce insulin resistance, and improve glucose control as well as aiding in weight loss. Generally, the best carbohydrate foods to eat would be the high fiber types of grains, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, rather than simple sugar items. On occasion, one still might eat foods with a lot of sugar, such as birthday cake, for example. However, on those days when cake, candy or other sweets are consumed, one must then ensure that their usual daily intake of certain carbs like rice, pasta or potatoes is adjusted accordingly as well. This will ensure that calories and carbohydrates are kept in their proper balance. - 29887
Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease in which cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The result of this problem is an accumulation of glucose in the system, which cannot be utilized in the proper way to generate energy. At some point, the internal systems are not putting out any insulin. While those with Type 1 diabetes have no choice but to take daily insulin injections, they can further improve their management of the disease by making dietary adjustments in addition to the insulin treatments.
Dietary changes can also create a situation where more insulin is required and the blood sugar becomes more difficult to maintain, for example consuming food that are high in carbohydrates will create a situation where more insulin is needed. There is a balance that must be maintained between the amount of carbohydrates consumed, insulin, and physical activity that is necessary for maintaining the proper levels of glucose (blood sugar). If any of these factors fluctuate excessively, this can throw sugar readings into an unstable state. This is why it is imperative that people with Type 1 diabetes taking fixed doses of insulin should watch their carb intake closely at every meal and snack.
Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 in that it is a problem with the body's response to insulin, rather than a problem with the production of insulin itself. Type 2 diabetes is linked, in part, to lack of exercise and excess body weight. This means that the nutritional goals for people with Type 2 diabetes will be slightly different. With Type 2 diabetes the primary focus becomes losing weight and being sure not to gain it back. Eight to ninety percent of Type 2 diabetes sufferers are overweight; some are even obese. Meal planning for these people should involve reducing their calorie intake, eliminating or cutting down on foods high in saturated fat, an even distribution of carbohydrates, and the replacement of some carbohydrates high in saturated fat with healthier monounsaturated fats like peanut butter, almonds, and other types of nuts. In addition to helping with weight control, this will also help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
Following this diet along with increasing the level of physical activity will reduce insulin resistance, and improve glucose control as well as aiding in weight loss. Generally, the best carbohydrate foods to eat would be the high fiber types of grains, pasta, fruits, and vegetables, rather than simple sugar items. On occasion, one still might eat foods with a lot of sugar, such as birthday cake, for example. However, on those days when cake, candy or other sweets are consumed, one must then ensure that their usual daily intake of certain carbs like rice, pasta or potatoes is adjusted accordingly as well. This will ensure that calories and carbohydrates are kept in their proper balance. - 29887
About the Author:
Diabetes is a serious health condition which can result in acute health issues and possibly death. In certain instances, it can be treated by making changes to your diet. If you're looking for a gestational diabetes diet plan or other advice on managing the condition, drop by the Diabetes Treatment site.
