[Biology Class Notes] on Diabetes Diet Pdf

What is Diabetes

Glucose is the primary source of energy that we receive from food. Insulin on the other, made in the pancreas helps turn the glucose into energy. When the pancreas fails to manufacture sufficient insulin, the glucose levels start to increase in the blood. This results in a condition known as diabetes. Thus, diabetes is a disease marked by high glucose levels in the blood. The carbohydrates and sugars we receive from the food are first converted into glucose in the body. This glucose is used up by cells in the presence of insulin to generate energy. In the absence or less quantity of insulin, glucose cannot be used by cells and thus, it remains in the blood. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood and diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes– It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus because in this condition pancreas fails to produce a sufficient amount of insulin. It mostly occurs in children and adolescents, although it can affect individuals of any age. In this type of diabetes, where the body itself produces less amount of insulin, insulin injections are prescribed to keep the blood glucose levels in check.

Type 2 Diabetes– It is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus which affects almost 90% of the individuals out of total diabetics and is frequently seen affecting people of middle or old ages. It is a condition where the cells in the body stop responding to the insulin available in the body. An unhealthy lifestyle, excessive body weight are the causes of this type of diabetes and hence, it is suggested to lose weight, exercise, and follow a healthy diet for individuals suffering from this condition.

Gestational Diabetes– Diabetes that affects pregnant women during the gestation period is called gestational diabetes. Even women with no history of diabetes may have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery.

Diet for Diabetic Patients

A healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet not only help you stay fit and watch your weight but help control the sugar levels in the body. Diabetic patients need to watch what they eat. They must not eat sugary foods too much and have a proper diet chart to follow for their daily meals.

Foods to be Avoided

• High sugar foods like cake, cream, sweets, etc. should be eaten as less as possible.

• Although fats do not directly impact the blood sugar level, they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. Therefore, they should be avoided too.

• Consumption of meat, some fishes, chicken, should be limited to a certain amount because they are a source of high protein and fat. For diabetics, the protein source should be maximum from plant sources.

• Foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided as they tend to raise the blood sugar level.

• Processed foods, fried, oily foods, and trans-fat containing food like chips, canned foods, etc. are also not suggested for a diabetic diet.

• Carbonated drinks like soda, coca-cola, Pepsi, etc. are also on this list.

• Carbohydrates containing foods such as rice, potatoes, should be brought down to minimum consumption daily because carbohydrates directly impact the blood sugar levels.

• Not all fats are good for diabetics. This includes artificial fats that harm the health of a diabetic patient.

Foods to Eat for Diabetics

A diabetic patient must not have a lot of carbohydrates, fats, and high proteins. But without these macromolecules, a person cannot survive. They are the main sources of energy. Hence by avoiding an unhealthy diet containing bad fat, cholesterol, and proteins from animal sources, a diabetic should have a healthy diet containing good proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are always suggested to be eaten more in place of fruit juices, vegetable extracts, etc.

• Good carbohydrates along with fibers found in foods like sweet potato, brown rice, peas, leafy vegetable, spinach, etc. should be added to the everyday diet.

• Natural fats like fish, olive oil, nuts, tuna, avocados, flax seeds, chia seeds, etc. are also good for a diabetes diet.

Diabetes Diet Chart