Diabetes is a chronic illness wherein your blood sugar levels rise abnormally, affecting different organs of your body. Insufficient production of insulin is the main cause of diabetes. Different types of diabetes can occur to you causing different kinds of impact on your health. The reasons to develop the disease could be genetic , obesity or wrong diet and lifestyle patterns.
In India almost one in six people is a diabetic. The numbers place the country among the top 10 countries for people with diabetes, coming in at number two with an estimated 77 millon diabetic.
Once your blood sugar levels start rising, there is no coming back from that. General symptoms include frequent urination, weight loss, blurry vision, extreme fatigue and increased thirst and hunger.
Diabetic symptoms in women can cause yeast infections, vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections. Pregnant women can also suffer from diabetes which is popularly known as gestational diabetes. There are many health complications that come along with diabetes such as kidney failure, heart stroke, depression, dementia, skin conditions, hearing loss and loss of sight.
Three major diabetes types can develop: Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes: Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. This is the most common type of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and it has strong links with obesity.
Gestational diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body can become less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.
The most important thing you need to pay attention to when you are diabetic is your lifestyle and your eating habits. You should eat healthy if you want to keep your blood sugar levels in check. There are certain power foods that are extremely beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. You will obviously have to keep taking your medications, but these foods will make the process of getting better easy for you.
Foods that are nutritious and have low glycaemic index are beneficial for diabetic patients strong best foods to control diabetes strong.
People who have diabetes, the key to a beneficial diet, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is as follows:
- Include fruits and vegetables.
- Eat lean protein.
- Choose foods with less added sugar.
- Avoid trans fats.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene which reduces the risk of many chronic diseases including diabetes. It has very low GI which is a must when you are diabetic. Tomato is a non-starchy food which means it is tailor-made for blood sugar patients. Tomato consumption is extremely healthy not only for diabetic situations but also for the health complications that come along with diabetes.
Oranges
Oranges are citrus foods that are rich in fiber. You can either eat the fruit or drink orange juice. Both are beneficial in this case. If you choose to drink the juice, make sure that you do not add any sugar in it. Citrus fruits have the ability to lower the risk of diabetes.
Beans
Beans are extremely nutritious in nature. It has minerals like potassium and magnesium which deliver the right amount of nutrients you need in order to fight diabetes. Beans have a low GI. It protects you from all the complications that your body goes through while you are suffering from high blood sugar.
Kale
Kale along with other leafy green vegetables is the best power food for diabetes. It contains vitamin A and vitamin K. It has a ton of nutrients that neutralize your blood sugar levels. It is considered as a superfood. green leafy vegetables are packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They also have minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Leafy greens, including spinach and Kale are a key plant-based source of potassium, vitamin A, and calcium. They also provide protein and fiber.
Some researchers say that eating green leafy vegetables is helpful for people with diabetes due to their high antioxident content and starch-digesting enzymes.
People consume kale either cooked or even boiled. Some people prefer drinking kale juice as it is more effective and acts faster as compared to eating the vegetable.
Chia seeds are a wonderful food for people with diabetes.
They’re extremely high in fiber, yet low in digestible carbs.
In fact, 11 of the 12 grams of carbs in a 28-gram (1-ounce) serving of chia seeds are fiber, which doesn’t raise blood sugar.
The viscous fiber in chia seeds can actually lower your blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which food moves through your gut and is absorbed Chia seeds may help you achieve a healthy weight because fiber reduces and makes you feel full. Chia seeds may also help maintain glycemic management in individuals with diabetes.
People consume kale either cooked or even boiled. Some people prefer drinking kale juice as it is more effective and acts faster as compared to eating the vegetable.
NutsSeeds
Nuts like walnuts and flaxseeds contain fiber, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. These are not only good for diabetes but also for your heart health and cholesterol levels. If you are diabetic you must always carry nuts with you as they help in controlling your blood sugar levels. People who eat nuts are have a low risk of developing diabetes.
All types of nuts contain fiber and are low in net carbs, although some have more than others.
Here are the amounts of digestible carbs, per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of nuts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture :
- Almonds: 2.6 grams
- Brazil nuts: 1.4 grams
- Cashews: 7.7 grams
- Hazelnuts: 2 grams
- Macadamia: 1.5 grams
- Pecans: 1.2 grams
- Pistachios: 5 grams
- Walnuts: 2 grams
Research on a variety of different nuts has shown that regular consumption may reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar, HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar management) and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels
Nuts may also help people with diabetes improve their heart health.
Insulin can help control blood sugar levels
People with type I diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes may need to inject or inhale insulin to keep their blood sugar levels from becoming too high.
Various types of insulin are available, and most are grouped by how long their effect lasts. There are rapid, regular, intermediate, and long-acting insulins.
Some people will use a long-acting insulin injection to maintain consistently low blood sugar levels. Some people may use short-acting insulin or a combination of insulin types. Whatever the type, a person will usually check their blood glucose levels using a fingerstick.
This method of checking blood sugar levels involves using a special, portable machine called a glucometer. A person with type I diabetes will then use the reading of their blood sugar level to determine how much insulin they need.
Self-monitoring is the only way a person can find out their blood sugar levels. Assuming the level from any physical symptoms that occur may be dangerous unless a person suspects extremely low glucose and thinks they need a rapid dose of glucose.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor or a dietician before making any changes to your diet.
