Nutritional support for people with diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body does not make enough insulin, or becomes insensitive (resistant) to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes.
All forms of diabetes can have serious consequences if left untreated. There is no cure for diabetes, but there is much that can be done from a lifestyle perspective to improve blood sugar control and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Nutrition for diabetes
Food is an essential component of anyone’s life. The selection of foods becomes even more important for a good diabetes and nutrition program.
Diabetic nutrition makes way for better blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels for you. Your diabetic meal plan keeps your weight in check, too. Having healthy weight is an essential aspect of managing diabetes. Keep to the proper diabetic nutrition program and you prevent diabetes complications as well as keep yourself fit.
Nutrition diet for people with diabetes should include:
- Cinnamon contains compounds that work synergistically with insulin, helping to reduce blood sugar levels. One study found benefits with just ½ tsp daily. Add cinnamon to your cereal, oatmeal, or breakfast shakes.
- Chromium is essential for blood glucose regulation. It is found in brewer’s yeast, whole grains (especially wheat germ), onions, and garlic.
- For a natural and healthy sugar substitute, try stevia or xylitol.
- High-fibre, low-glycemic (slow-release) carbohydrates such as whole grains (whole wheat, oats, brown rice, spelt), vegetables, fruits, and legumes help to balance blood sugar.
- Protein (lean poultry, meat, and fish) and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, and flaxseed oil) in each meal will slow carbohydrate digestion and promote better blood sugar control.
Note: To promote steady blood sugar levels, eat small, frequent meals (every three hours).
Nutrition to avoid for diabetes
- Alcohol can cause either high or low blood sugar depending on how much you drink and if you are eating while drinking. Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks daily.
- High-glycemic (quick-release) carbohydrates such as white bread and baked goods, refined cereals, potatoes, white rice, and sugar (candy, cookies, soda) cause rapid and profound increases in blood sugar, creating a problem for diabetics. Studies have also found that those who eat high-glycemic diets are also at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Saturated fat (animal products such as meat and dairy) can worsen blood glucose control.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Sugar Diabetes Diet Guidelines (fitnesstipsforlife.com)
DIABETES: Vitamins and minerals supplement
Diabetes is a chronic illness where the body does not make enough insulin. Or becomes insensitive (resistant) to the insulin that is produced.
If diabetes isn’t treated it can have serious consequences. It fact there is no cure for diabetes, but lifestyle perspective and natural supplements may improve blood sugar control and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Top Recommended Supplements
Alpha lipoic acid: The substance is powerful antioxidants that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetic complications including neuropathy and nephropathy (kidney disease).

Chromium: Chromium is trace mineral that plays essential role in sugar metabolism. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Some researches have shown that diabetics are deficient in chromium, and that supplements can help improve management of blood sugar.
Fibre: Fible aids improve blood glucose control and weight management. Studies subjected fibre supplements of psyllium, oat bran, and glucomannan have shown benefits for diabetics.
Complementary Supplements
B-vitamins: Vitamin B is essential for proper nerve function and energy metabolism. Best of all take a B-complex or a multivitamin that contains at least 50 mg of the B-vitamins.
Fenugreek: Supplements containing Fenugreek seeds have been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
Fish oil: Fish oil aids improve glucose tolerance, reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and may aid improve diabetic complications (neuropathy and nephropathy).
Gymnema: Preliminary studies shows that this herb can help stimulate insulin secretion and improve blood glucose control.

![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=97106726-e51c-4240-ae05-eb59ccf193d1)