Diabetes Diet?

The Sweet Truth about Diabetes?

What Kind of Diabetes Do You Have?

 Diabetes Diet

It is very important to work with a physician and dietitian to establish the best meal plan for individual needs, particularly for those needing to maintain tight insulin control. Patients can find a dietitian in their area by contacting the American Dietetic Association. Unfortunately, although a trained dietitian is as critical a medical partner as a physician for people with diabetes, as yet few insurance policies reimburse nutritional education.

Regular exercise is important for the management of both types of diabetes. Aerobic exercise is best; walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and aerobic dances are examples. Even moderate regular exercise helps lower blood sugar by increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin. It also helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, decrease body fat, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, studies of older people who engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, biking) lower their risk for diabetes even if they don't lose weight. Patients who are taking medications that lower blood sugar, particularly insulin, should take special precautions before embarking on a workout program. Because glucose levels can swing dramatically during workouts in uncontrolled diabetes, diabetics should monitor their levels carefully before, during, and after workouts. Delay exercise if blood glucose is over 250 mg/dl or under 100 mg/dl. To avoid hypoglycemia, diabetics should inject insulin in sites away from the muscles they use the most during exercise. They should also avoid alcohol. Finally, insulin-dependent athletes may need to decrease insulin doses or take in more carbohydrates, especially in the form of pre-exercise snacks (skim milk is particularly helpful). Because diabetics may have silent heart disease, they should always check with their physicians before undertaking vigorous exercise.