Diabetes Diet

Diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar and the hormone insulin which makes the conversion of sugar to energy possible. Persons with diabetes have elevated levels of glucose in their blood. During pregnancy, some women develop type 2 diabetes (gestational diabetes in which the body resists insulin) as a result of the gestation period. Type 1 diabetes involves decreased amounts of insulin in the body.

Diabetics must abide by certain dietary restrictions to maintain good health, including food regulation, fat avoidance (particularly saturated fat), eating whole grains and ingesting ample amounts of vegetables and fruits. Meats with high fat content should be eschewed--white fish and white meat are better. A diabetes diet should contain mostly whole grains and other complex carbohydrates (to aid sugar breakdown and energy storage), about 30% fats and less than 20% protein.

Diabetics must control their weight; a simple calorie monitored diet can vastly improve and stabilize a diabetic condition.

Before considering any weight loss plan or form of diet, it is extremely important to consult a physician about specific health risks.