What is the diabetes diet?
Diabetes nutrition should be the basic principle of all patients who wish to obtain a good control of this disease, both in type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent) and in type II Diabetes. The diabetic patient must know his nutritional needs and establish with his nutritionist the basis for a correct control of his disease, based on three pillars: diet, insulin and physical exercise.
When a patient has diabetes, the body cannot produce or use insulin correctly. This causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to be elevated. A healthy diet, undoubtedly, helps to keep sugar levels at adequate levels, hence the diet is a fundamental part for the correct management of diabetes and that there are no complications.
Diet is a fundamental part of the correct management of diabetes.
Why is it done?
Nutrition for diabetes is carried out so that the patient suffering from this pathology can have a better control of the nutrients that his body needs to absorb. Thus, depending on the dose of insulin required by the patient (in cases of type I diabetes) and the exercise or daily activity that the patient performs – in addition to taking into account other aspects such as other diseases – the diet must be personalized.
What does it consist of?
In any diet for diabetes it is essential that the patient has five meals a day, if possible always at the same time, with somewhat lower amounts than usual but without neglecting any of the necessary food groups: carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water, in addition to balancing the intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. On the other hand, foods rich in cholesterol (sausages and fats) should be avoided and try to always eat fresh food (try to avoid processed foods), as well as controlling the presence of chromium, zinc and sodium in the diet.
Preparation for the diabetes diet
The specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics is the one who will help the patient to design a specific meal plan. This diet should take into account the patient’s weight, medication being taken, lifestyle and other health problems the patient may have. Thus, the nutrition specialist will prepare a diet that recommends:
– Limit foods high in sugar
– Eating small portions throughout the day
– Pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates consumed.
– Consume a wide variety of whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
– Eat less fat
– Limiting alcohol consumption
– Limit salt intake
Post-procedure care
No special care is necessary after the diabetes diet. The specialist will indicate and recommend in each case what care or guidelines to follow. The objective is that the patient learns to manage his daily meals and to cope as well as possible with the disease.