The Importance of Good Nutrition To A Diabetic

The type of food you eat is closely connected to the level of blood glucose in your body. If you make smart food choices, you will be able to manage your blood glucose level better.

There is no such thing as a diabetic diet. A dietician can advise you on a diet plan that is right for you. A nutritionist or registered dietician can also teach you how to choose the best foods for meals and snacks.

Typically a diet that is designed for a diabetic consists of 40% to 60% calories that come from carbohydrate food sources and 20% form protein with the remaining 30% coming from fat sources.

Doctors and researchers have determined recently that diabetics can consume some sugar as long as they are consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet. It is still important not to add sugar to the foods you eat.

You will still have to be careful about the amount of sugar you consume. Let your doctor guide you on how much sugar and when it is appropriate to add it to your daily diet plan.

Basically your diet will consist of 2 to 5 choices of carbohydrates, 1 choice of a protein and than the amount of fat determined by your doctor or dietician. Carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy foods and also starchy foods like breads.

When eating canned fruits make sure that they are packed in their own juices or in water. Hidden carbohydrate sources are condiments such as nonfat mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. Proteins can be found in meat, poultry and fish, nonfat or reduced-fat dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

Fat sources are butter, margarine, lard and oils. Fat can also be found in dairy and meat.

Low Blood Sugar:

When your blood sugar is too low you may become confused, cranky, tired, shaky or sweaty. These may be symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). If you notice these symptoms check your blood glucose level with your meter and if your level is 70 or below drink fruit juice, or a regular glass of soda.

If you are very thirst, urinate more frequently than normal, or you have blurred vision. Check your blood glucose level with your meter and contact your doctor or if your doctor is unavailable contact a medical emergency center with the reading.

Food is a very important factor when it comes to managing your diabetes. Understanding the role food plays in the blood glucose level will help you to be success at controlling your diabetes.