Diabetes (2701)

Diabetes occurs when the body's cells can't make or use the hormone insulin properly in the body. This causes blood glucose levels to rise. Common symptoms of diabetes include tiredness, abnormal thirst or hunger, frequent urination, wounds that do not heal, and blurred vision. If blood glucose stays high for long periods, damage may occur to the nervous system and the blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, heart and feet.

There are two types of diabetes#Type I ,often called insulin-dependent diabetes, and Type II, often called noninsulin-dependent diabetes. People with Type I diabetes produce little or no insulin and usually have had the disease since they were children or young adults. Individuals with Type II diabetes produce some insulin, and are more likely to be overweight, have diabetic relatives, and be above age 40.

Diabetes is treated with exercise, diet, and medication, such as insulin injections or pills prescribed by a physician.

The following guidelines are not intended to substitute for medical advice.

* First, select a diet plan that meets your needs. Each person with diabetes should have a meal plan that addresses his or her specific medical needs. There is no one "diabetic diet" for everyone. Some individuals with diabetes may benefit from a diet high in monosaturated fat, found in foods such as canola, olive and peanut oils. Some are advised to eat regular, moderate-sized meals and less sugar and fat.

Some must follow a diet based on the exchange lists, which are foods organized into six groups or "exchanges" based on their carbohydrate, protein and fat content. Other diabetics use the Food Guide Pyramid to plan well-balanced meals.

A qualified health professional such as a registered dietitian can help people with diabetes create an appealing meal plan that works well with their lifestyle and helps maintain good levels of blood glucose and lipids as well as a healthy weight.

* Eat meals and snacks throughout the day. Eat about the same time each day to help maintain a steady supply of glucose to the blood.

* Eat less fat, especially less saturated fat. Saturated fat is found in meat and poultry fat, coconut palm oil and dairy products such as butter, whole milk, ice cream, and cheese. Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol in many people, increasing their risk for heart disease.

* Balance high-fat foods with lower fat foods. For example, if you have a chocolate bar for a snack, use fat-free or low-fat dressing for your green salad at dinner.

* Eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dried beans and peas, and whole-grain products. Fiber helps maintain normal bowel function and may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

* Use limited amounts of table sugar, fructose, honey and foods high in sugar. If you have a favorite sweet that you would like to include in your diet, ask your dietitian or physician for advice on how to make it a part of your eating plan. Count all the sugar and starch in the foods as part of your daily total carbohydrate. Milk and fruit have natural sugars. Grains, dried peas, beans and lentils, rice, noodles, pasta, and vegetables contain starch that is broken down into sugar in the body.

* Use alcoholic beverages sparingly or not at all. Discuss the use of alcohol with your physician. Alcohol can cause blood sugar to fall too low. That is why you should drink alcoholic beverages with a meal and limit yourself to two or fewer drinks a day. Each of the following counts as one drink: 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1½ ounces of hard liquor.

Remember, diabetes is a serious disease, but it can usually be kept under control with a treatment plan that includes exercise, diet and prescribed medication that's tailored to your individual needs.

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