Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.
Most common types of diabetes :
Type 2 diabetes
A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
Type 1 diabetes
A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Prediabetes
A condition in which blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
A form of high blood sugar affecting pregnancy.
Dietary Guidelines for diabetes :
Eat a Balanced Diet
Stop Sugar Intake
Moderate Your Consumption of Rice and Other Starch.
Reduce the amount of fats, salt and sugary foods in your diet.
Eat small, regular meals.
Have a small snack between meals.
Eat more foods that are high in fibre, including wholegrain products and vegetables.
Include low glycemic index fruits into your diet.
Match your mealtimes to your medication timings.
Regular exercise, which can help you to achieve a desirable body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 23 has also been shown to be beneficial, as it can improve insulin sensitivity.
Foods to be avoided :
Starchy vegetables: Beets, Corn, Peas, Sweet potatoes, White potatoes
Fruits: Fruit juices, Packaged juices, Dry fruits, High G.I fruits.
Certain starches and carbohydrates: Cereal with no whole grains and added sugars, Crackers, French fries, Processed grains, White bread, White flour, White flour tortillas, White pasta, White rice.
High fat dairy products: Full fat cheeses, Low-fat or full fat yogurt, Reduced fat or full fat cottage cheese, Whole milk or 2% milk
Others: Packaged and processed foods, Cakes, Pies, Pastries, Margarine, Frozen foods.
Foods to be included :
Green leafy vegetables and other vegetables
Low glycemic index fruits: Apple, Guava, Orange, Berries, Grapes, Lemon.
Whole grains: Oats, Quinoa, Dalia, Brown rice, Whole wheat bread.
Low fat milk and milk products.
Lean meat, Egg white.
Benefits of exercise in diabetes :
Regular physical activity along with regulated exercise is an essential component of management of type 2 diabetes.
Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood.
pressure, bone diseases, and unhealthy weight gain.
Keeps one flexible Helps relieve stress, anxiety and prevents depression.
Increases strength and stamina.
Promotes sound sleep.
Increases metabolic rate and digestion.
Lowers lipids.
Delays the process of ageing.