Diabetes Meals

When the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the disease diabetes sets in. The hormone insulin is needed to convert starch, sugar and other food into energy that is needed for our daily life. Both genetic and environmental factors like obesity and lack of exercise can cause diabetes. A diabetes meal plan helps us in choosing the right kind and proper quantity of food that can be had by a diabetic patient. Such a meal plan will help in the improvement of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It would also help to keep the weight in check.

People suffering from diabetes need to take extra care about their food. A good meal plan can fit in properly with the schedule and eating habits of a diabetic. It is vital that a diabetic's food is balanced with insulin and oral medications. Though this may sound difficult, the doctor and the dietitian can help the diabetic individual to create a meal plan that is suited best for him or her. Healthy food choices coupled with regular exercises would improve the overall health and prevent further complications like heart disease or hypertension.

People with diabetes can eat the same food that the family enjoys having. Since everyone benefits from healthy eating, the whole family can choose a proper and nutritious diet chart. It takes a little planning to fit one's favorite foods into the meal plan and still being able to manage blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of green vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, poultry and fish. Watching portion sizes and including a variety of different foods can help in creating a healthy diet. One has to pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fibres.

The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a popular meal planning option with diabetics apart from Carbohydrate Counting and Plate Method. This plan divides food into six groups which vary in size. The largest group of grains, beans and starchy vegetables is at the bottom. The smallest group of fats, sweets and alcohol is at the top. This means one should have most servings of grains and vegetables and very little of fats and sweets. The exact number of servings would depend on one's diabetes goals, calories and nutrition needs.

Carbohydrate Counting is another method of meal planning for diabetics. This is a relatively new approach of diabetes management. Carbohydrates in our food have a direct effect on blood glucose levels. With the help of a dietitian, a diabetic person can determine the exact amount of carbohydrate that should be eaten every day. As per recent researches, the carbohydrate amount in a meal is more important than the carbohydrate type. Refined sugars like sucrose can also be included in the diet if the total carbohydrate content remains the same.

The Plate Method (changing the proportions of food on the plate) is another way of diabetes management. This method works best when a 9-inch plate is used. Here, half of the plate should have non-starchy vegetables, one quarter should have lean protein and the other quarter should be filled with some additional carbohydrates

More about Himalaya Diabecon and Natural Cure for Diabetes