Postings about ‘glycemic index’

Health – Diabetes Risk Factors & Type Two Diabetes

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 by admin

Upon first being diagnosed with diabetes risk factors, many patients ask can a good diet keep diabetes at bay. Most doctors will 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 processing foods such as sugars and starches. Instead of processing normally through their system, they stay in the system and turn end up increasing the glucose in the bloodstream. When this occurs, it is called glycemia – which is too much sugar in the blood. People with Type I and Type II diabetes both suffer from having too much glucose in the blood. As the glucose does not digest normally, it causes problems with the kidneys, liver, eyesight, heart and blood circulation in general.

Depending upon the stage of their diets for diabetes, a physician will normally prescribe either medication or insulin. 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 a person is taking medication or insulin does not give them carte blanche to consume all of the sugar and carbohydrates they can get their hands on. It is absolutely essential that a person with diabetes not only take medication or insulin as directed, but also adhere to a diabetic diet. This means getting familiar with which foods should be avoided and which foods can be eaten sparingly.

The Glycemic Index was established in 1981 to rate which carbohydrates are the worst for those with diabetes. The carbohydrates that are high on the list, such as white bread, take longer to digest and should be avoided. Carbohydrates that have low scores, such as brown rice, can be eaten in moderation. It is very difficult for anyone to avoid carbohydrates completely, which is why familiarizing oneself with the Glycemic Index is so important in the treatment of diabetes.

In addition to carbohydrates that rate high on the Glycemic Index as well as low, there is also an intermediate group. It may surprise people to know that a chocolate bar is rated in the intermediate group on the Glycemic Index. This does not mean, however, that one should feel free to consume all the chocolate they want. The purpose of the Glycemic Index is to help individuals establish which foods should definitely be avoided and which foods are okay in moderation.

So, can a good diet keep cure type 2 diabetes at bay. The answer is yes. While it cannot cure a patient of diabetes, a good diet low in foods that have high ratings in the Glycemic Index and high in proteins can help an individual with this condition live a longer, healthier life. Until there is a cure for this potentially life threatening condition, it is important for all people who suffer from diabetes to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so they can better understand how to control their disease.

Diabetes Treatment

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 by admin

There are plenty of excellent recipes if you suffer with diabetes. Controlling your diet can be the key to reducing the risk of diabetes as well as improving your symptoms if you are affected by this disease people often refer to as “the silent killer”. Sorting out a diabetic diet plan is one of the most important things you need to do if you suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes Diet

One of the main goals for a diabetic diet is to lower your weight and maintain it. By following your diabetic diet and eating a balanced amount from each of the four food groups, you should improve your condition.

Reverse Diabetes Now Review

Having a healthy diabetic diet plan means eating in a way that reduces the risk for complications that are commonly associated with their conditions, including heart disease and stroke. By creating a healthy, low-fat diet, many of the symptoms of diabetes have been reduced including blurred vision, thirst and at the same time increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue.

The diabetic dietary plan is concerned with eating a balanced diet of non-fat dairy foods, lean meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. If you are also subject to a low-carb diet then your diet may consist of certain vegetables like kidney beans, carrots and avocados in addition to meat, fish poultry, eggs and cheese. Diabetic diets should include foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as skinless poultry, fresh fruit, and vegetables as previously mentioned.

A diabetic diet consists of certain food groups but it also imperative that you weigh the foods so you intake the correct amount of calories. When buying the food that are needed for a diabetic diet, it is important to read the labels, it is especially important since most food labels show daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring with quite some choice and variety with yogurt, alternatively milk, two slices of bread, or rice cakes/pasta, an egg prepared as you like and your favorite fruit. If you are following a 1,800 calorie diabetic diet than you would be able to have two slices of bread, a cup of  milk and a little cheese with some fresh fruit for your breakfast.

For a snack in the afternoon have some fruit, two or three crackers, and half a cup of herb tea. Diabetic diets can be just as interesting as a normal diet but you just have to know what you are allowed to eat and vary your menus to keep them interesting.