Showing posts with label diabetes management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diabetes management. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2011

Diabetes Diet Plans: Effective Diabetic Meals to Manage Hyperglycemia


With estimates of rising prevalence of diabetes across the globe, there is a need for new strategies and approaches to manage diabetes efficiently. Correct diet plays a vital role in the management and control of diabetes. Diabetic Diet Plan would vary depending upon the age, sex and weight of an individual; however there are certain basic considerations that can be beneficial in the management of diabetes. Further, a well designed diabetic diet can also be beneficial in controlling elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol levels in the blood. Here are some effective diet strategies to control blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Mellitus refers to a chronic metabolic disorder which is associated with elevated levels of blood sugar and is often associated with glucose excretion in urine. Diabetes is associated with higher risk of several complications which include kidney disorders, cardiovascular disorders, ophthalmological disorders, etc.  

Diabetic Diet Plans: Managing Hyperglycemia Naturally

Fresh Fruits are very good
for manaing Hyperglycemia

Dietary changes can help in drastically reduce elevated blood sugar levels and also prevents sudden spiking or fluctuations in the blood sugar levels. The following are tips that are beneficial in the management of hyperglycemia and avert the grave complications associated with diabetes.
    
  • The most important aspect of diabetes management is to consume foods that are lower in glycemic index. Consuming such foods can help prevent sudden spiking of serum sugar levels and also prevents episodes of hypoglycemia. Ideally an individual should stay away from foods that are high in glycemic index.
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  • It is recommended to consume foods like kidney beans, prunes, preaches, oat, bran, soy, lima beans, lentils, broccoli, parsley, asparagus, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach and tomatoes. These foods have a low glycemic index and also are loaded with dietary fiber which plays a crucial role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and management of hyperglycemia
  • Include raw foods in your diet. Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables plays a pivotal role in a diabetic diet plan.
  • It should be remembered that individuals with diabetes are prone to sudden drop in blood sugar levels and hence it is advised to carry biscuits, candies or any form of sweets in cases of sudden emergency.

Managing Hyperglycemia Naturally: Effective Diet Strategies for Diabetics

Whilst including good foods in your diet, it is also important to avoid certain foods that can be detrimental to your overall health status. Here are certain foods that should be avoided especially to control hyperglycemia from setting in,
    
    Avoiding Trans Fats is
    important
    to control diabetes
    
  • Limit the intake of saturated fats and Trans Fat in your diet. Eliminate all canned foods, processed foods in your diet
  • Avoid heavy meals. It is recommended to consume 6-8 meals comprising of small portions of food. Consuming heavy meals may result in sudden spike in blood sugar and result in hyperglycemia
  • Don’t stay hungry for long. It should be noted that hunger is often associated with attacks of hyperglycemia which is often associated with dizziness. Take a snack every three to four hours. Whole grains, whole bread, oats, vegetable soups and salads should be consumed to regulating diabetes.
  • Consuming foods loaded with dietary fiber and also play a crucial role in the helping the process of weight loss. Weight reduction is inevitable while designing a diet strategy for the management of diabetes. Fiber helps in achieving ideal body mass index and reestablishment of normal blood sugar levels.
Complementing Diabetic Diet Plans: Long Term Management of Hyperglycemia
A stand alone diabetic diet plan may not be effective unless it is associated with a multidisciplinary approach comprising of a regular exercise regimen. It should be borne in mind that the exercise regimen should be in lines with the overall medical history and health condition of the individual and their overall cardiac health.

Stress management is also vital in the management of diabetes. Optimum stress management using yoga techniques, aromatherapy and dietary measures can help in reducing the impact of diabetes on the overall health whilst offering a host of other health benefits. 

Foods to Check Diabetes: Manage Elevated Blood Sugar Naturally

As per the WHO estimates, prevalence of Diabetes was approximately 2.8% in 2000 and is expected to rise to 4.4% in 2030. There are approximately 171 million people suffering from diabetes which is projected to increase to 366 million by 2030. Diabetes is closely linked to obesity and rise in prevalence of obesity is expected to increase the prevalence of diabetes. Fortunately there are certain foods that can help check diabetes and control blood sugar levels naturally. This article provides insights into foods to check diabetes naturally.
 Diabetes mellitus occurs due to impaired metabolism of proteins, carbohydrate and fat and is clinically manifested in the form of elevation in the blood sugar levels. Diet and life-style plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal and optimum blood sugar levels and averting the detrimental effects and complications that are associated with elevation of normal blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that have been found to provide invaluable assistance in the management of diabetes naturally.
Cinnamon to Manage Diabetes: Cinnamon to control Elevated Blood Sugar Levels Naturally

Cinnamon Helps Control
Diabetes Naturally

Various laboratory reviews and clinical studies have shown that cinnamon, a herb, performs functions similar to the naturally occurring hormone insulin and thereby helps regulate blood sugar levels naturally. In a recent double blind study conducted, it was observed that about one gram of cinnamon each day for a period of forty days resulted in the reduction in fasting blood sugar levels by almost 29%.

Due to the extraordinary benefits that Cinnamon has on controlling blood sugar levels naturally, it is recommended to add a pinch of cinnamon to cakes, cookies, yoghurt, milkshakes and muffins. The active ingredient of Cinnamon is considered to help lower blood sugar levels naturally and often reduces the dependence of individuals on anti-glycemic drugs and synthetic insulin.

Bitter Melon for Diabetes:  Bitter Gourd Controls Blood Sugar Levels Naturally
Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd juice is considered to have strong hypoglycemic effect. These results have be authenticated by various research studies and have resulted in the recommendation of the consumption of the food on regular basis, especially for the management of diabetes.
Bitter Gourd contains a compound called Charantin, which is considered to be equally effective as oral hypoglycemic drugs, which are often used in the treatment of diabetes. Further, bitter gourd also contains an insulin like agent referred to as Polypeptide P, which is considered to be beneficial in reducing the dependence on synthetic insulin among diabetic patients
It is recommended to consume about two ounces of bitter melon juice each day to control fluctuations in blood sugar levels. However individuals should be aware that excessive consumption of bitter melon or bitter gourd is linked with the onset of diarrhea, hence their consumption should be limited to two ounces per day.
String Beans to Control
Blood Sugar Levels

Best Food for Diabetes Management: String Beans to Control Elevated Blood Sugar

String beans are another admirable source of natural insulin which helps in the management of diabetes. Consuming tea comprising of string beans can help in the management of diabetes. Further regular consumption of string bean tea is considered to avert and control the complications associated with diabetes which include diabetic foot, diabetic retinopathy and kidney damage. It should be noted that the pods in the kidney beans are loaded with a compound which is similar to insulin, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar levels naturally.

It should always be remembered that diabetes management depends upon a multi-disciplinary approach. Consuming a healthy and wholesome diet is just one important aspect of management of diabetes. Regular exercises, yoga technique and homeopathic management can be beneficial in comprehensive management of diabetes naturally.