The Importance of Controlling Carbohydrates
If you have diabetes - you know the importance of
controlling carbs in your meals and
maintaining a strict diet. You need to keep your carbohydrate consumption to a
minimum each day in order to keep your blood sugar steady. This article will
take a look at the types of diabetes and how diet is used to control each type.
Type 1 Diabetes usually manifests itself in childhood or as a young adult. This
type of diabetes causes the diabetic to become insulin dependent which means
they need to inject insulin everyday because their pancreas does not manufacture
enough of it to keep blood sugar levels down. This is the less common type of
diabetes and affects only 10% of diabetes sufferers. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, exhaustion, excessive thirst, frequent
urination and constant hunger.
Type 2 Diabetes -In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin but the cells of the
body resist it therefore it cannot be utilized by the body. Hence, this type of
diabetes is also referred to as insulin resistant diabetes. The symptoms of
type
2 diabetes include tingling and numbness of the feet, skin infections with slow
to heal wounds or sores, and blurred vision.
For people with type 1 diabetes, it is important to eat at regular meal times,
adhere to a strict diabetic diet and get plenty of exercise to keep weight under
control. For these diabetics, the amount of carbohydrates that is consumed each
day is determined by the amount of insulin that the doctor prescribes.
For those with type 2 diabetes, following a diabetic diet as well as exercise
play an important role in controlling blood sugar levels. Diabetics that are at
their ideal weight can consume half of their calories from natural
carbohydrates. Diabetics that are overweight should limit carbohydrates to 40%.
The glycemic index is a useful tool for diabetics. It can be used when menu
planning because it is basically a list of foods ranked according to their
carbohydrate levels and how quickly they affect blood glucose levels.
Diabetics need to consume a low carb diet. The best cereals, bread, pasta, and
rice that should be used is whole grain. In addition, nuts and seeds, fresh
vegetables and fruits, and dried beans are also good to add to their
diets. On the other hand, white rice, white potatoes, low fiber cereal, candy,
and beverages with sugar must be avoided.
Be sure to
consult with your doctor or dietician with any questions or concerns about your
diabetic diet. You should also check with your doctor to
make sure you are eating properly for controlling carbs for the type of
diabetes that you have.