What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the glucose level in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.
Normally insulin produced in the pancreas helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel.

In Type 1 Diabetes (which usually starts in the under 40's) there is a severe lack of insulin in the body and this is normally treated by insulin and diet.

In Type 2 Diabetes (which usually starts in the over 40's) the body makes some insulin but not enough. This can often be treated by diet alone, else diet and tablets or diet and insulin injection.

Nutrition & Diabetes?

Nutrition experts recommend that Diabetics should maintain a healthy diet, the same diet recommended for the rest of the community.

• Eat a balanced diet, low in fat, low in sugar and low in salt.
• Eat five portions of fruits and veggies per day. This also protects against heart disease and cancer.
• Take regular meals and have snacks based on starchy foods like bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and cereals.
• Cut down on fat. Grill rather than fry and bake or microwave to transfer less fat into your meals.
• Use low fat dairy products and you can try soy substitutes to cut down on fat.
• Reduce your sugar intake, and increase that of fibre.
• If you try special 'diabetic' foods, check that they really are good and not high in fat.
• Be moderate in your alcohol or drink even less if your health care practitioner recommends it!
• Take moderate exercise. Consult of course with fully trained practitioners on the best regime for you, but the benefits of exercise are -

  1. Helps keep you at the right weight.
  2. Helps you use insulin more efficiently.
  3. Helps cope with stress.
  4. Reduces risk of heart disease and strokes.
  5. Helps control blood glucose and fat levels.