Diabetes Control - Can You Keep Diabetes At Bay With A Good Diet?

Upon first being diagnosed with diabetes, many people ask if a good diet can keep diabetes at bay. Most doctors would agree that a good diet, low in carbohydrates and sugars can help a person with diabetes avoid many of the complications that often accompany the disease. While a good diet can not necessarily cure the illness, a good diet can keep diabetes at bay.

People who have diabetes have a difficult time digesting foods such as sugars and starches. Instead of digesting normally through their system, they stay in the system and in turn end up increasing the glucose thats in the bloodstream.This condition is called glycemia - which means too much sugar in the blood. People that have Type I and Type II diabetes suffer from having too much glucose in the blood. As the glucose will not digest normally for them, it causes problems with the kidneys, liver, eyesight, heart and blood circulation.

A physician will normally prescribe either medication or insulin, depending upon the stage of the diabetes and other factors. Both help the body process the sugars in the blood, to break them down and allow the patient to expel them. However, insulin and medication are no substitute for a healthy diet. Just because you are taking medication or insulin, that does not give you the ability to consume as much sugar and carbohydrates as you want. It is absolutely essential that a person with diabetes not only take medication or insulin as directed, but also find and stick with a good diabetic diet. This means becoming familiar with all the different food types to know which foods should be avoided and which foods can be eaten sparingly.

The Glycemic Index, established in 1981, rates which carbohydrates are the worst or best for diabetics. Put simply, the carbohydrates that are high on the list, white bread for example, take a long time to digest and should be avoided. Low scoreing carbohydrates, such as brown rice, can be eaten in moderation. It is very difficult to avoid carbohydrates completely, which is why being familiar with the Glycemic Index is so important in diabetes control.

Did you know that a chocolate bar is rated in the intermediate group on the Glycemic Index? Yup, its true. Now, this doesn't mean that you can feel free to eat up all the chocolate you want but, if you keep an eye on the other foods you eat during the day a chocolate bar is not out of the question. The purpose of the Glycemic Index is to help you understand which foods you can enjoy and which you should leave alone.

So, back to the main question, can you keep diabetes at bay with a good diet? The answer is yes. While it will not cure you of diabetes, a good diet that manages carbohydrates using the Glycemic Index and high in proteins can help you live a longer, healthier life as a diabetic. Until there is a cure, it is important for everyone who suffer from diabetes to become familiar with the Glycemic Index so you can better understand how to manage your disease.

1. Be Physically Active:  Physical activity lowers blood sugar and increases your bodies sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar within normal range
2. Eat Plenty of Fiber: Fiber intake is associated with lowering your risk of Heart disease as well as improving your blood sugar control
3. Go for Whole Grains: Glycemic index. High Fiber. Yeah, you get it
4. Lose Extra Weight: Every pound you lose can improve your health, you may be surprised at how much.
   
5. Skip Fad Diets: Just make healthier choices. Think Portion control and variety for an overall eating strategy.
   

* always consult your physician before making any decisions about your diet or exercise plans.