Most people today are perpetually in a hurry. And so breakfast consists of a bagel and coffee. Lunch is BigMac and fries. And dinner is Chinese take out. The popularity of fast food joints and canned goods has led to the increase of many lifestyle related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Eating stuff like this may be convenient. However it is also detrimental to your health.
Eating the right kind of food is the main step to controlling diabetes. But this doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your favorite foods. Moderation is the key. But aside from that you have to be informed. According to the American Diabetes Association you have to know what foods are right for you so that you’ll be able to make healthy eating decisions.
For those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need a diabetes diet menu to keep your diet in line. It’ll be easier for you to follow a healthy diet if you actually have a diet plan. But this doesn’t mean to say that you’ll have to eat terrible food. With a little creativity you can come up with a yummy diabetes menu. There are many diabetes recipes that taste great.
How do you know if you have diabetes?
There are 2 types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, or insulin dependent DM, the absence of insulin is due to an autoimmune destruction of the pancreas beta cells. This is managed by a healthy diet and regular insulin shots. Thus, the name “insulin dependent DM”. Diabetes type 2, on the other hand, also known as non-insulin dependent DM is characterized by insulin resistance. This resistance results into high blood glucose. For people with this condition, diabetic pills as well as a diet plan is prescribed.
There are diabetes symptoms that show up if you are afflicted with this condition. The most commons symptoms are the 3 P’s. Polyuria (increase in frequency of urination), polydipsia (increase in thirst) and polyphagia (increase in hunger).
Of the two types of DM, type 2 Diabetes is more common. This is because it’s a lifestyle disease. People acquire this due to their eating habits and how they live their life. There is no cure for diabetes. What you can do is manage it. Since it’s a lifestyle disease it can also be managed by changing your lifestyle. Preparing a diabetic diet meal plan is one way to do this. Make sure to check the glycemic index of the foods you are planning to include in the meal plan. A healthy diabetes type 2 diet is composed of whole grains, a lot of fruits and vegetables, lean meat and non-fat dairy. With the right combination of food you will be able to enjoy every mealtime while maintaining a healthy diet.
Another kind of diabetes is what is known as gestational diabetes. This condition develops during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. During the pregnancy it is important to follow a gestational diabetes diet. This will help control blood sugar levels. After pregnancy this usually disappears.
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