The food that diabetes sufferers eat is very important because the body turns food into glucose. Experts now recognize that a diabetic’s dietary needs are exactly the same as non-diabetics. Fat should consist of less than thirty grams per day. Twenty percent of daily calorie intake should come from lean protein. The remainder of the diet should consist of complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grain products. Consistency and moderation are imperative. Meals should be eaten at regular times each day and approximately the same amount of calories should be digested. Small meals should be eaten six times a day instead of three larger ones. Meals should never be skipped.
All diabetics should seek the advice of a dietitian who can help them develop a personal eating plan. The dietitian will ask questions about favorite foods, daily exercise, medical history and other unrelated health issues. The patient should always be truthful and give as many details as possible.
Today, experts recommend increasing natural foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes and small portions of lean protein such as chicken and fish. Diabetics are encouraged to avoid refined carbohydrates which include bagels, bread, pasta, rice, products that contain white flour, cake, cookies, candy, soft drinks and juices. Alcohol and tobacco use should be terminated upon diagnosis.
Exercise
Being active is crucial to the diabetic patient because it boosts the level of glucose taken in by the cells and lowers glucose levels in the blood. Diabetics who are starting an exercise regime should start slowly and gradually build up exercise time. Walking is great exercise for diabetics. Start with three five minute increments of walking per day and gradually increase the time over a few weeks to three twenty minute intervals. This gets the diabetic out into the fresh air and gives them a time of relaxation free from stress. If the diabetic patient chooses another type of exercise, it should also be started in small increments and gradually built up with time. Treadmills and stationary bicycles are also great ways for the diabetic patient to implement an exercise routine into their lifestyle.