Before going into the diabetes diet plan let’s have a look at what is diabetes. It is a chronic autoimmune disease. It is incurable, but it is not difficult to keep it under control with lifestyle changes. There are two types of diabetes based on insulin shortage and inefficiency.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when there is a lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Our immune system produces antibodies to protect us from bacteria and viruses. They are the warriors who safeguard us from various diseases. But in autoimmune disease conditions, the antibodies start to attack our bodies. In type 2 diabetes the immune system attacks the pancreas. This leads to inflammation and the destruction of cells that secrete insulin hormone. A low level of insulin is incapable of metabolizing sugar. Excess blood glucose levels are a dangerous concern as it could affect the organs. A proper diabetes diet will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Type 2 Diabetes
The body produces enough insulin but the organs are not able to use the insulin. This is insulin resistance. The pancreas secretes more insulin while the body is still resistant to insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes. Food habits and a sedentary lifestyle increase the chances of getting it.
Patients with other autoimmune diseases like hypothyroidism have higher chances of getting it.
Why Diabetes Diet Plan Is Important to Keep Blood Glucose Level under Control?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the absorption of glucose. Hence food control helps to harness the sugar level. Exercise and other activities help in improving the body’s metabolic process.
Diabetes Diet for Type 2 Diabetes
Grains which have low glycemic loads such as brown rice and quinoa. These are rich in fiber also which helps too) cut fat from the body.
Pulses and lentils are a good source of protein. Take black-eyed beans, butter beans. Also add chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, pinto beans.
Vegetables like artichokes, green leafy vegetables, beans, squash, corn, and cruciferous vegetables. Avoid potato, sweet potato, and other root vegetables.
Citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, oranges, sweet lime are good. Take berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.
It is better to take vegetable fats like sesame oil, olive oil, coconut oil in cooking or as a salad dressing.
Foods to Avoid
Refined flour, polished rice
Root vegetables
Processed food
Butter, ghee, cheese
Fried foods
Any sugar like white sugar, jaggery, brown sugar, palm sugar
Take Away
Planning a diabetes diet is crucial to keep blood glucose levels under control. This can avoid many dangerous health complications. Type 1 diabetes is the low production of insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs due to insulin resistance. Though the causes for both conditions are different, the food plan is similar. Make a diabetes diet plan in such a manner that it doesn’t stop you from taking nutrients. It is not good to avoid all the foods as the body needs all the other nutrients. You can also add some herbs and plants such as bitter gourd, Jamun fruits in your diabetes diet. These have some proven effects in controlling blood sugar.
