Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin or when cells cannot respond to insulin because of insulin resistance. Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Several potential complications can occur when diabetes is not managed properly, such as kidney failure, obesity, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels, so a diet aimed at diabetes patients needs to minimize those risks.
There are no strict guidelines for creating or following a diabetic diet, but the main points include high-fiber intake, eating healthy carbohydrates, low cholesterol intake, low saturated fat intake, and focusing on foods with a low glycemic index (GI). Because high-fiber foods and healthy carbohydrates decrease risks for heart disorders, diabetes patients should eat vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits, wheat bran, and whole-wheat flour. Instead of eating high-fat meats, various types of fish, such as mackerel, sardines, or salmon, can be used as a substitute. Finally, foods with unsaturated fats, such as avocados, almonds, or olives, can be used sparingly to reduce cholesterol levels.
Several food groups should be avoided by people with diabetes because they increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Trans fats should be avoided, so baked goods and margarines need to be eliminated from the diet. If a person eats food with saturated fats, such as hot dogs, beef, or bacon, they need to account for less than 7 percent of daily calorie intake. High-fat animal protein and dairy products are abundant sources of cholesterol, and people with diabetes need to limit their cholesterol intake to 300 milligrams per day. Sodium, which is often found in drinking water, softened tap water, and salt, should be limited to 2,300 milligrams per day.
Sample Recipe: Polenta Muffins
- 70g polenta (corn meal)
- 60g plain wholemeal flour
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons apple sauce
- 120ml soya milk
- 4 tablespoons agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
Preheat oven to 170 °C (338 F). Combine all ingredients except for the rapeseed oil. Add the oil slowly into the mixture while stirring. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
Sample Breakfast
Whole-wheat pancakes, cup of berries, and 6 ounces of non-fat yoghurt.
