DIABETES And Nutrition

Two Types of Diabetes Type 1- Insulin Dependent or Juvenile Diabetes Type 2- Adult Onset Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Known more commonly as - Insulin Dependent Diabetes or - Juvenile Diabetes Most common form of diabetes A type of autoimmune disease- Your immune system attacks a part of your body.

Type 1 Diabetes Your immune system attacks the pancreas- organ responsible for producing insulin. Insulin- a hormone produced by the pancreas that stabilizes the level of glucose in our body. Glucose- blood sugar that is obtained from your food. Your body uses it as energy.

Type 1 Diabetes Attacks certain cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. Without the proper amount of insulin, your body’s blood sugar gets out of control.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Urinating a lot over a long period of time Consistently blurred vision Consistent excess thirst Consistent excess hunger Consistent tiredness or lack of energy

Type 2 Diabetes Known as Adult-onset diabetes Most common form of diabetes (90 to 95% of diabetic cases) Usually develops in adults over 35 years old. Has started to develop in more and more teens because of excess weight and obesity.

Type 2 Diabetes Pancreas still produces insulin but either not enough, or your body loses its ability to use it properly. Symptoms are the same as type 1 diabetes with the addition of: - sores that take an unusually long time to heal themselves.

Type 2 Diabetes Can usually be controlled with weight loss, proper nutrition and regular exercise. Some extreme cases require an oral medication or an insulin injection/pump.

Nutrition Eating right for diabetes comes down to three things: What you eat. Your diet makes a huge difference!! You should eat mostly plant foods, cut back on refined carbs and sugary drinks, and choose healthy fats over unhealthy fats. When you eat. Diet is part of it, but keeping regular meal and snack times also affects your blood sugar levels and will help to keep them more constant. How much you eat. Portion sizes matter. Even if you eat very healthy meals, if you eat too much you will gain weight, which is a factor in diabetes.

Myths and Facts MYTH: You must avoid sugar at all costs. Fact: The good news is that you can enjoy your favorite treats as long as you plan properly. The key when eating dessert or a sweet treat, is to make sure that it is part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise. 

Myths and Facts MYTH: A high-protein diet is best. Fact: Studies have shown that eating too much protein, especially animal protein, may actually cause insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes. A healthy diet includes protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Our bodies need all three to function properly. The key is a balanced diet.

Myths and Facts MYTH: You have to cut way down on carbs. Fact: Again, the key is to eat a balanced diet. The serving size and the type you eat are especially important for carbohydrates. Focus on whole grain carbs since they are a good source of fiber and they are digested slowly, keeping blood sugar levels more even. 

Myths and Facts MYTH: You’ll no longer be able to eat normally. You need special diabetic meals. Fact: The principles of healthy eating are the same—whether or not you’re trying to prevent or control diabetes. Expensive diabetic and “dietetic” foods generally offer no special benefit. You can easily eat with your family and friends if you eat in moderation

Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar Make healthy substitutions. Substitute water for soda, a bowl of frozen fruit instead of ice cream, one slice of your favorite cheese instead of cake, a piece of fruit instead of pie. Clear your kitchen of sweets and don't purchase them. Instead, you can enjoy a dessert when you are away from home. Split dessert with a friend when out and enjoying a treat. Slowly savor each bite when you do eat a treat. Reduce or eliminate the amount of sugar called for in recipes.