Diabetes is a disorder of sugar levels in the blood. It’s a long-lasting and chronic disease that impacts the body’s ability to break down the consumed food into glucose and transfer it into the bloodstream. When blood sugar shoots up, it creates signals that let the pancreas know when to produce insulin, which acts as a key for allowing the blood glucose into the body’s cells to be used as energy.
Unfortunately, those who have diabetes are unable to use or generate sufficient insulin. And if the cells can’t respond or don’t get enough insulin, what happens is that the blood sugar remains in the bloodstream. As a result, it can cause various health-related severe conditions over time if left untreated, not the least of which are kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease.
While a cure for diabetes still doesn’t exist, there are many ways to manage the condition, like staying active, adopting a healthy diet, and taking the prescribed medication. Here are some of the most common treatments for diabetes.
Healthy Eating
An essential component of overall health and diabetes management is maintaining a healthier weight via a proper exercise plan and diet, and it all begins with the food you consume. While there’s no denying that there isn’t a specific diet for people with diabetes, food selection must always be focused on whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. These food types are generally nutritious and high in fiber while low in calories and fat.
It’s also a good idea to reduce the consumption of sweets, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. In actuality, this is a must for all persons with diabetes. If sugary foods can’t be avoided, they should only be eaten occasionally and counted as a part of the meal plan. As simple as it sounds, understanding what to eat and the safe amounts can be tricky. For this reason, consulting with a qualified dietician is recommended for guidance in creating a food plan to fit your goals, lifestyle, and food preferences.
