DIET FOR DIABETIC PATIENT

HOW MUCH CALORIES SHOULD A DIABETIC PERSON HAVE IN A DAY? AND THE FOOD THAT THEY TAKE DURING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER CONTAINS HOW MUCH CALORIES?
(October 20, 2010)

Diabetes is a common condition, which affects over 23 million people across the United States. Another 57 million people suffer from pre-diabetes or have a high risk of developing diabetes. These people need to be very careful and need to watch what they eat, in order to prevent the condition. Hence it is best to follow a strict diet for diabetes prevention, in order to control the levels of glucose in the blood before the condition becomes very severe. A diet for diabetes patient should be followed, as early as possible, i.e., as soon as the condition is diagnosed.

Given below are tips for a diet for diabetes:

Diet for diabetes prevention

The prevention of diabetes through a diet is not very difficult. A diet for diabetes prevention is not very different from most other healthy diets. First of all, it is important to get plenty of fiber, which reduces the level of sugar in the blood. Foods that are high in fiber include varieties of fruits and vegetables with their peel, whole gains, beans, seeds and nuts. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, lima beans and corn should be eaten in a limited quantity. Whole grains and non-starchy vegetables should constitute a major part of the diet. Small quantities of lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry are also included in a diet for diabetes prevention.

Foods included in a diet for diabetes type 2

Given below are some of the common foods that are good for warding off type-2 diabetes in people:

• Bitter gourd
• Broccoli
• Brewer’s yeast
• Garlic
• Yogurt
• Chickpeas
• Groundnut
• Black gram
• Tofu (Bean curd)
• Peanut butter

Diet for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to a condition that is developed, when the levels of glucose in the blood rise to a high level, during pregnancy. This condition usually goes away on its own once the baby is born. The main causes of gestational diabetes are hormonal changes. If this condition is not controlled at the right time and in the right manner it could cause problems, not just for the mother, but also for the baby. Therefore, given below are some guidelines for a diet for gestational diabetes:

• Eat 4 servings of calcium rich foods like dairy products every day, like green vegetables, nuts and calcium-fortified cereals
• Eat 3 servings of foods that are rich in iron like green leafy veggies, eggs, lean meats, fish and poultry
• Eat at least one serving of Vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, honeydew, grapefruits, cauliflower, broccoli, green peppers and tomatoes 
• Eat a minimum of one source of folic acid each day, like green leafy vegetables, fortified grain products, fruits and legumes

Pregnant women should eat one source of Vitamin A, every second day.

Apart from following a diet for diabetes prevention, it is also important to get an adequate amount of exercise and physical activity. In people who are already suffering from diabetes, a diet for diabetes can help control the condition to a great extent but it cannot cure or get rid of it.

Diabetes Diet 

Information regarding the weight of the individual is essential, while framing a diet. A common diet chart cannot is not applicable to all individuals. Hence, provide all the necessary information, the next time. Around 1500 to 1800 calories are recommended. Avoid feasting or fasting. Avoid fatty foods. Use omega 3 fatty acids, present in flax oil, fish oil and soy products.

Sixty percent of the calories are contributed by carbohydrates. Opt for complex carbohydrates, especially for weight reduction. Twenty per cent each of calories are contributed by protein and fats. Lunch is made heavy and dinner should be light. Adequate intake of vegetables and fruits are recommended. Starchy tubers are avoided, in addition to mangoes, jackfruit, Sapodillas and melons.

Ready to eat snacks and processed foods are not preferred. Table sugar is abstained from. Visit your nutritionist for an individualized diet chart. About forty grams of fibre per day is recommended. Bakery products and fast foods are completely avoided. An insight about the presence of any other complication is necessary. Go in for 4 or 5 meals, instead of 3 heavy meals.