Hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood sugar, caused by the body's inappropriate metabolism of glucose and insulin. Diabetics who experience temporary hypoglycemia can remedy the problem by ingesting some simple sugars to immediately reintroduce glucose into the bloodstream.
A proper diet for diabetics is one that reduces intake of refined sugars, reduces sodium, and in many cases, helps the person lose weight. Most adults who acquire Type 2 Diabetes have poor lifestyle habits. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by obesity and poor nutrition even if some individuals are at a greater risk for developing the disease. Any person who might be at risk for diabetes should learn proper eating habits as early as possible in their life. Becoming overweight or obese is a difficult process to reverse and may lead to other health problems like heart disease. Persons who are overweight but who are willing to change their eating habits can do a number of things to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. Diabetics who are overweight can also change their eating habits to prevent complications.
Losing weight is important for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, and good nutrition is integral to losing weight. Buying all the "low fat" and "light" products at the supermarket is not the best way to lose weight. Following fad diets and starving are also bad ways to lose weight. Many people who try starving themselves for short periods of time or who go on fad diets worsen their risk for weight gain and diabetes. Fasting and rapid weight loss can create intense cravings for food and lead to binge eating. Fad diets and periodic starvation can also upset the body's delicate metabolism, including the metabolism of glucose and insulin production. Therefore, any overweight person who wishes to prevent diabetes or manage their condition should learn how to lose weight effectively.
Products labeled as "low fat" or "light" are usually highly processed and filled with additives, preservatives,...
Therefore, such products should be avoided in favor of wholesome and fresh foods. Learning how to read product labels is crucial for a diabetic. Labels and ingredient lists reveal exactly what is inside the product: including refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup. Diabetics can easily reduce their intake of sugar by reading labels and learning the different types of refined sugars that might be inside the products they buy. In general, most processed foods are suspect unless the label shows that the contents are wholesome. Not all fats are bad for the body, and even people who need to lose weight must consume a reasonable amount of good fats coming from sources like olive oil, avocado, or fresh fish. The fats to avoid include anything partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated: known as "trans fats." Diabetics who want to lose weight might notice that when they eat healthy fats in small portions, they will feel more satisfied after meals and less likely to reach for an unhealthy dessert. Even desserts can be a part of a healthy diet in small portions, as long as the ingredients in the dessert do not include refined sugars or trans fats. Unrefined sugars are commonly available, and many good desserts are made with wholesome ingredients. When a diabetic eats right, he or she will be able to live a longer and happier life, avoiding common health and oral health problems.
References
American Dental Association. "Diabetes and Your Oral Health." Retrieved Mar 8, 2009 at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp
American Diabetes Association. "Hypoglycemia." Retrieved Mar 8, 2009 at http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/hypoglycemia.jsp
American Diabetics Association. "What Can I Eat?" Retrieved Mar 8, 2009 at http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/nutrition/what-can-i-eat.jsp
Oral Health and Nutrition." Retrieved Mar 8, 2009 at http://www.ringsurf.com/online/1173-oral_health_and_nutrition.html
