The Proper Diet for Diabetes

In recent years, the nutritional recommendations for people with diabetes have varied, and even low-carbohydrate diets have been considered. What’s the proper diet for diabetes?

Eating a good diet can be the key to guaranteeing proper diabetes management. Not doing this could promote associated conditions that put the patient’s health at risk, such as cardiovascular diseases.

Diet recommendations for people with diabetes have changed considerably in recent years. Specifically, the traditional model that bet on the distribution of carbohydrates throughout the day turned into a protocol that seeks to restrict these nutrients.

Diet for diabetes: low carb

Diabetes is a condition that causes poor carbohydrate management. For this reason, the most recent nutritional trends focus on cutting back these nutrients in the patients’ diets. This reduces insulin resistance and stabilizes glucose curves, which facilitates the management of the condition.

According to a study published in the journal Vnitrni Lekarstvi, the proper diet for diabetes is low in carbohydrates, as it helps these patients lose weight and reduces the symptoms of diabetes.

This also reduces blood sugar spikes and the collateral effects associated with this metabolic condition. Thus, it helps safeguard the health of the patient.

In fact, even following this type of diet during the onset of the disease could reverse the process, as well as prevent its progression. If it already developed, it may simply help avoid longtime drug treatment, which will be positive at the liver level.

Diet for diabetes: intermittent fasting

Generally speaking, experts believe that the best diet for diabetes is one that’s low in carbohydrates. However, another complementary protocol has also shown benefits in the management of the disease. We’re talking about intermittent fasting.

Fasting consists of spending a number of hours without eating, usually about 16 hours. During this period, no calories can be ingested; only calorie-free liquids such as water, coffee, or tea are allowed.

Intermittent fasting can benefit those who suffer from diabetes, especially if they decide to cut out breakfast. A study by the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology shows that this protocol reduces insulin resistance and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

In addition, it’s capable of inducing weight loss, which can bring health benefits. Although patients can apply it in different ways, it’s best for them not to eat from dinner until noon the next day, maintaining a 16-hour fast.

Adequate diet varies depending on the type of diabetes

It’s worth mentioning that the strategies we shared here undoubtedly work well for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. However, certain considerations must be taken into account in order to apply them for type 1 diabetes. Blood sugar levels must be stabilized in order to begin since these manifestations of the disease are more sensitive.

However, proper professional monitoring, a low-carbohydrate diet, and intermittent fasting can adequately stabilize blood sugar levels and even make exogenous insulin supply unnecessary in some cases. Nevertheless, we recommend a lot of caution in this regard.

Diabetic people should watch their diets

As you’ve seen, diet plays a fundamental role in the health management of people with diabetes. Creating proper menus can make the difference between needing medication or not.

Keep in mind that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing other chronic diseases. Thus, patients who suffer from the disease should be really careful. Nevertheless, the most advisable thing is prevention, since this is a condition that, in many cases, manifests itself due to unhealthy lifestyle habits.

A good nutrition education during the first stages of life can greatly reduce the risk of developing metabolic disorders during adulthood. This will greatly benefit health. It’s important to prioritize the consumption of fresh foods over ultra-processed foods.