Prevention of Diabetes through Diet

Diabetes is a polygenic disease in which the body either does not produce insulin or fails to use it properly. Thus, the sugar in the blood is not properly used leading to high blood sugar level. One way of keeping your blood sugar level low is by eating a balanced diet. By taking a proper diet, you can control your sugar level and stay healthy.

Diabetes and Diet

Diabetes is,
‘A disease in which the body does not produce insulin or properly utilize it to convert the sugar and starch obtained from the food by converting it into energy’.
This inability of insulin to provide energy to the body leads to high sugar level in blood and diabetes.

As diabetes is caused by sugar derived from the food, it can also be controlled by regulating the intake of foods we consume. Thus, people who are either on the verge of diabetes and suffering from pre-diabetes or diabetics can control their diabetes or prevent diabetes by eating foods that are low in sugar.

Prevention of Diabetes through Diet

Food is the main cause of diabetes as it results due to the inability of the insulin to utilize sugar and starch obtained from food. Thus, food plays a very important part in maintaining and balancing ones sugar level and helps to prevent diabetes if the right kinds of food are taken.

Diet can play a very important role if you are trying to prevent diabetes along with medicines.

Diet for Type 1 Diabetes

For people with Type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to note that only eating healthy is not important. They should also make sure that they take the right quantity and type of food, keeping in mind the timings when they are taken. Also a check on the daily quota of fruits and vegetables is very important.

Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, foods that are more slowly digested should be taken as they reduce the risk of high level of blood sugar that in turn slow downs the demand for insulin in body. Thus, low calorie food should be taken along with foods full of carbohydrates as they take time to digest.

Foods to be taken for Preventing Diabetes

• Try to eat small foods 3 times a days, especially when you are taking insulin
• A variety of foods should be taken to make a balanced diet
• Foods that are low in calorie and contain less fat should be preferred
• Colas and alcohol beverages with low sugar content should be taken
• Table sugar is not as dangerous as other foods high in glucose
• Right type of food has to be taken in along with insulin to prevent diabetes
• Foods with low salt content should be taken

Foods to be Avoided during Diabetes

• Fats as they slow down digestion
• Foods high in sugar content like cookies and sodas
• Meats and dairy products should be avoided as they cause weight gain that leads to diabetes
• Baked goods and desserts should be cut down
• Excess of protein should be avoided as extra protein is converted into glucose

If you think that you are at risk of diabetes due to heredity factor or any other reason, you should try to prevent diabetes through diet. Preventing diabetes through diet is not so difficult. By planning a healthy diet and excluding some food items while taking others properly, you can prevent diabetes.