Diabetes: overview and clinical management

¶ … diet and diabetes.

Review 2-3 sources of information on diet and its effects on diabetes.

Diet and diabetes are closely linked and very often this diet can be diet controlled.

Diabetes is a disease that makes it hard for the body to control the level of glucose (the main form of sugar in the body) in the blood. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1 which is insulin-dependent, Type 2 which is the most common and is not insulin-dependent and Gestational which occurs during pregnancy and goes away when the baby is born.

Diet is an integral part of managing diabetes and is based on the treatment goals and a nutritional assessment that will take into account blood lipids, caloric needs and prevention of diabetes related complications.

Because the body's ability to make and use insulin is compromised, the body can't regulate glucose and therefore, the diabetic has to regulate their sugar levels through insulin injections and diet. Diabetics need to be particularly careful about carbohydrates because they affect blood sugar. Foods are ranked according to their ability to raise the blood sugar levels. This index helps diabetics who are cooking at home or eating out to plan their meals accordingly.

It is very important that diabetics eat a balanced diet with enough nutrients to keep their blood glucose levels in the healthy and acceptable range. Fiber is also an important factor in the diet. Studies have shown that fiber can have positive effects on the blood glucose levels.