Diabetes Diet?

The Sweet Truth about Diabetes?

What Kind Of Diabetes Do You Have?

The two major forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, share a central feature: elevated blood sugar levels due to absolute or relative insufficiencies of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a key regulator of the body's metabolism. After meals, food is digested in the stomach and intestines; carbohydrates are broken down into sugar molecules, of which glucose is one, and proteins are digested into their constituents, amino acids. Glucose and amino acids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and blood sugar levels rise. Normally, this signals the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin, which pours into the bloodstream. Insulin, in turn, enables glucose and amino acids to enter cells -- importantly, muscle cells -- where, along with other hormones, it directs whether these nutrients will be burned for energy or stored for future use. As blood sugar falls to pre-meal levels, the pancreas reduces the production of insulin, and the body uses its stored energy until the next meal provides additional nutrients.

In type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, known as beta cells, are gradually destroyed; eventually insulin deficiency is absolute. Without insulin to move glucose into cells, blood sugar levels become excessively high, a condition known as hyperglycemia. The sugar, which the body cannot use without insulin, spills over into the urine and is lost. Weakness, weight loss, and excessive hunger and thirst are among the consequences of this "starvation in the midst of plenty". Patients become dependent on administered insulin for survival. Dietary control is very important and must focus on balancing food intake with insulin intake and energy expenditure from physical exertion.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as no insulin-dependent or maturity-onset diabetes, is by far the more common type of diabetes. Most type 2 diabetics produce variable even normal amounts of insulin, but are insulin resistant; that is, they have abnormalities in liver and muscle cells that block its action. Many type 2 diabetics, however, seem to be incapable of secreting enough insulin to overcome this resistance; it is likely in such cases that there is an additional defect in insulin secretion by the beta cells. Obesity is common in type 2 diabetics and this condition appears to be related to insulin resistance. The primary goal for overweight type 2 patients is weight loss and maintenance.

People with both types of diabetes are at risk for a number of medical complications, including heart and kidney disease. Dietary requirements for diabetes must take these disorders into consideration

What Are the Guidelines for Major Food Components in a Diabetes Diet?