Diabetes and Nutrition
Diabetes a Serious Condition that needs Controlling

Diabetes and Nutrition

Why does it matter what I eat?

What you eat is closely connected to the amount of sugar in your blood. The right food choices will help you control your blood sugar level.

Do I have to follow a special diet?

There isn't one "diabetes diet." Your doctor will probably suggest that you work with a registered dietitian to design a meal plan. A meal plan is a guide that tells you what kinds of food you can choose at meals and snack time and how much to have. For most people with diabetes (and those without, too), a healthy diet consists of 40% to 60% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% from protein and 30% or less from fat.

Diabetes and Nutrition
Can I eat any sugar?

Yes. In recent years, doctors have learned that eating some sugar doesn't usually cause problems for most people with diabetes--as long as it is part of a balanced diet. Just be careful about how much sugar you eat and try not to add sugar to foods.

Diabetes and Nutrition
What kinds of foods can I eat?

In general, at each meal you may have 2 to 5 choices (or up to 60 grams) of carbohydrates, 1 choice of protein and a certain amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for specific advice.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy foods and starchy foods such as breads. Try to have fresh fruits rather than canned fruits (unless they are packed in water or their own juice), fruit juices or dried fruit. You may eat fresh vegetables and frozen or canned vegetables. Condiments such as nonfat mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard are also carbohydrates.

Protein. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans and some vegetables. Try to eat poultry and fish more often than red meat. Don't eat poultry skin, and trim extra fat from all meat. Choose nonfat or reduced-fat dairy products such as cheeses and yogurts.

Fat. Butter, margarine, lard and oils add fat to food. Fat is also in many dairy and meat products. Try to avoid fried foods, mayonnaise-based dishes (unless they are made with fat-free mayo), egg yolks, bacon and high-fat dairy products. Your doctor or dietitian will tell you how many grams of fat you may eat each day. When eating fat-free versions of foods (like mayonnaise and butter), check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrates they contain. Keep in mind that these products often have added sugar.

Diabetes and Nutrition
What is the exchange list?

The exchange list is a tool to help you plan healthy meals and snacks. To add variety to your diet, you can substitute certain foods for other foods in the same group.

What if my blood sugar is below or above normal?

If your blood sugar is low, you may become cranky, tired, confused, shaky or sweaty. This is a condition called hypoglycemia. This can happen after you have been working hard or exercising. You should check your blood sugar level first, and then drink fruit juice or a regular (not diet) soda right away if your blood sugar level is low. This will usually bring your level back to normal.

However, if you are very thirsty, urinate a lot or have blurred vision, your blood sugar may be much too high. Check your blood sugar level and contact your doctor to find out what to do.

A diet emphasizing complex carbohydrates, fiber, whole grains, legumes and vegetables may help to reduce the requirement for insulin dependence by slowing and controlling glucose release.

It is also desirable to take professional supplementation that can further support a good diet. However, any such supplement should be addressing more than just blood sugar levels. It is important that ingredients also concentrate on whole organ and body protection, to strengthen against diseases of diabetic complication and indeed to greatly reduce risks of such complications.

Diabetes and Nutrition
Recommended Products

Option 1:

For assistance in normalizing blood sugar levels and minimizing the damaging effects of diabetes on your organs. Diabet-Eze contains all the specialty nutrients referred to in 'Natural Treatments' in the optimal amounts.

Diabet-Eze

Option 2:

For the benefits of Option 1 PLUS the extra benefits that Total Balance can provide to your overall health and the added protection it can give you against potential diabetic caused damage:

Diabet-Eze
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil
Total Balance

Note: It is important when you are using Diabet-Eze that you monitor your blood sugar levels as you may be able to reduce your daily dose rate of this product. It you take insulin it is possible that your amount may be able to be adjusted downwards…but, only after consultation with your Doctor.

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