Using diet to control diabetes

Author: anthony turner
Using diet to control diabetes: The three chief elements used to treat diabetes, and control blood glucose levels, are diet, exercise and medication.

Most people suffering from type 2 diabetes, and a lot of those with type 1 diabetes are overweight or obese. For these people, particularly those on an intensive insulin regime, losing weight can make a substantial difference to their blood glucose levels. Maintaining this weight loss can go a long way in avoiding some of the medical complications that can occur as a result of having diabetes. People who might be at a higher risk of contracting diabetes, such as children of diabetes sufferers, can also prevent its onset by maintaining a healthy weight.

The simplest way to lose weight is to burn up more calories than you ingest in your food. This can be achieved by a combination of reducing the size of the portions consumed, as well as reducing or eliminating added sugars, fats and alcohol. These last three are just sources of calories, and contain very few minerals or vitamins.

If you are already overweight, the first place to start in reducing your weight, is reducing your portion sizes. When you are at home, it is easier to limit the amount of food you prepare, or put on the plate. Less so when you eat out. A good rule of thumb is to limit your consumption to just half of the served portion. This is much easier said than done, particularly in America, where the standard serving portions can be several times the size of similar portions in Europe.

These portion sizes have also increased substantially over the last 20 years. 20 year ago, the typical chocolate chip cookie had 55 calories. Now, it is over 250 calories. It is now not uncommon to find bagels the size of small cakes being served as standard. Just because something has been placed in front of you, is not reason enough to eat it all.

Many people wrongly think that weight gain is a result consuming a huge amount of calories. This could not be further from the truth. Just consuming 100 extra calories per day, can result in 12 pounds in additionally weight gained annually. The converse is also true though, for those attempting to lose weight. As an example, 100 calories is the amount in a typical glass of wine.

The first step therefore, to controlling your blood glucose level and weight, to prevent complications resulting from diabetes, is to watch what you eat. A oft quoted general rule is, smaller portions of the right foodstuffs. That in mind, small, gradual and sustained changes can go a longer way to improving your quality of life, than an attempt or starve yourself into losing weight.

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Interested in diabetes and other related diabetic health concerns. Here are some diabetes health and nutrition resources: Diabetes hrealth foods and shop Diabetic store sale Diabetic Cooking for Diabetes