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Diet For Diabetes Patient

I would like to know if there is a Diet For Diabetes Patient. I am have high diabetes and would like to control my diabetes with diet.
(July 27, 2011)

Is whey protein good and safe for diabetics?

The failure to effectively metabolize sugar in the body due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to make use of the insulin produced is known as diabetes. This condition is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood stream. In order to avoid complications resulting from this condition, one must choose a diet carefully.

Whey protein and type 1 and 2 diabetes:

Studies show that whey protein for diabetics with type 2 diabetes is a good dietary option. This is mainly true because it helps in stimulating the pancreas thus enhancing the production of insulin.

Thus, it helps in lowering the level of glucose in the bloodstream. However, it is of little help in the case of type 1 diabetes as these patients are dependent on injected insulin.

Other benefits of whey protein for diabetes:

Whey proteins assist in controlling weight gain and blood pressure levels, conditions that could arise due to high blood sugar levels. In addition, whey protein is good for building lean muscle mass.

It is important for one to keep in mind that over consumption of this protein could put a strain on organs such as the kidneys and cause related complications. Hence, it is always recommended that one consult a doctor before making any changes in diet. The doctor would also help in determining the intake quantity that would be beneficial to the patient.

Submitted by N on July 27, 2011 at 05:08

What is a good breakfast for diabetics?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t fret, it is not the end of the world. You can lead a fairly normal life, by taking your medicines regularly, following a specific diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise each day. Your diet plays a very important part in the management of this condition. First of all, you need to avoid foods that increase the levels of sugar in your body. Secondly, you need to make sure that you eat at regular intervals, so that the levels of sugar in your blood do not go too low. You need to eat at least 5 to 6 meals a day (as advised by your doctor), without skipping any. Most doctors state that breakfast for diabetics is a must.

The ideal breakfast for diabetics should be low-glycemic, which means that it should not cause the levels of blood sugar to go very high. Moreover, a good and healthy breakfast for type1 diabetes and type2 diabetes should keep the blood sugar low and level for many hours of the day. Given below are a few examples of a healthy, nutritious and whole type 1 or type 2 diabetes breakfast:

2 Egg whites, 1 cup of hot oatmeal with omega 3 butter substitute and cinnamon, half a cup of walnuts and half a cup of low fat milk
1 Slice of whole wheat bread with a teaspoon of margarine, ¼ Cup of cottage cheese or egg substitute, ½ small banana and half a cup of skim milk
Low fat and low sodium bacon, a bowl of sugar-free cereal and half a glass of fresh sugarless juice (preferably vegetable juice)
A bowl of fresh fruit (berries, watermelon, papaya, cantaloupe) and plain unflavored yogurt, with a slice of whole wheat toast
Scrambled tofu with vegetables and a small whole wheat bagel with low fat cream cheese
1 Bran muffin with butter substitute, half a cup of fresh blueberries and a cup of fat free milk
2 Slices of whole wheat toast with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, a small banana and a cup of tea or coffee

There are many books and online resources that have loads of information on the ideal breakfast for diabetics. While the ideas and menus mentioned above are quite safe and healthy, it is best for you to check with your doctor, before using any of them.

Submitted by N on July 22, 2011 at 05:07

Can you eat bananas with diabetes?

It is a well-known fact that diabetics need to follow a specific diet, which is low in sugar and glucose. If you are a diabetic, you may be asked to restrict the intake of sugar, as well as certain fruits and vegetables, in your diet. However, many people suffering from this condition consult dieticians if the consumption of bananas for diabetes is acceptable or not.

Because bananas are starchy fruits, your dietician may advise you to refrain from consuming them. However, once you have your levels of blood sugar in control, it is alright for you to eat bananas occasionally. In fact, there are a few dieticians who recommend the consumption of a small amount of bananas for diabetes too, because of the nutritional content of this fruit. However, it is important to eat no more than the recommended amount of bananas a day. The serving of banana for type 1 diabetes is half a banana each day. The recommended amount of banana for type 2 diabetes is more or less the same. For best results, you should include bananas in your breakfast, as it will keep you full for a longer period of time.

There are different types of bananas and the sugar content in some may be higher than the others. Therefore, it is important for you to check with your doctor before adding banana to your diet, or even if you plan to have the fruit occasionally. Ripe bananas too contain more sugar and therefore should be avoided. In fact, you should not add bananas to your diet, unless you get a go ahead from your doctor.

Submitted by N on July 17, 2011 at 05:06

Is grapefruit good for diabetic?

Diabetes is a condition wherein a person is unable to metabolize sugar effectively thus resulting in increased levels of sugar in the blood. As a result of this, individuals diagnosed with diabetes have to be very careful with regard to their diet and must opt for foods that help in controlling blood sugar levels.

Grapefruit benefits for diabetics:

Many people opt for grapefruit for a diabetic diet due to the numerous benefits it provides. Studies show that grapefruit has the ability to reduce the accumulation of sugar and starch in the body. It also helps in breaking down fat deposits. The bitter component of grapefruit is also believed to be able to increase insulin sensitivity by approximately sixty percent. In addition, grapefruit is a rich source of vitamin C among other essential nutrients and thus, it helps in boosting the immune system while curbing certain infections. However, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before consuming grapefruit if you are on medication for diabetes as grapefruit is known to interfere with the working of certain drugs. Being a bitter fruit, one must also remember that grapefruit for diabetes patients should be consumed in its natural form, without the addition of any sweeteners.

Submitted by N on July 12, 2011 at 05:05

Nutritional Diet for a Diabetic

A diabetic diet is framed on the basis of the height, weight, other diseases and age of the individual. The type of diabetes is also important. There are two types of diabetic diet. They are measured and unmeasured diet. The diet schedule prescribed is followed without measurement in the latter type. The meal quantity is measured in the former type. Carbohydrates in the diet prevent ketosis. The caloric requirements fall between 1200 to 1600 calories, based on the body weight of the individual. In case of obese diabetics, about 1200 calories are suggested.

Complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals provide the required fibre, which helps in decreasing the rate of glucose absorption. It decreases the intestinal transit time, thereby resulting in delayed gastric emptying. This results in decrease in the blood glucose levels. Starchy tubers, such as yam, potatoes, colocasia and sweet potatoes are avoided. Proteins in the form of animal foods, eggs, legumes and pulses are useful. Poultry devoid of skin is helpful. Fish is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish packed in oil is less preferred than those packed in water. Lean meat is better than red meat, as the latter has laced fat in them.

Fruits with a high glycaemic index, such as mangoes, Sapodillas, and banana are completely abstained from. Green leafy vegetables provide the required antioxidants and phyto nutrients. Sweet cravings are substituted by fruits. Chocolates, candies, jaggery, glucose and honey are avoided. Alcoholic and carbonated beverages are not recommended. About eight to ten glasses of water is advised per day. Fasting of meals is prohibited. Intermediate snacks are helpful. About four to five small and frequent meal pattern is helpful. Diet is effective when followed with regular exercises.