Diabetes

Nutrition and diabetes: What should we pay attention to?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that affects more than 10% of the world's population. In fact, in many cases, people suffering from diabetes may not even know it.  Diabetes mellitus is caused when there is an increase in glucose (sugar) levels in the body, either because no insulin is produced or because the insulin that is produced is not effective. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce any insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, a small amount of insulin is produced, but not enough for the body's needs. 

The regulation of diabetes mellitus, except  possibly from medication, includes weight loss, exercise and of course a healthy diet. In particular, the Mediterranean diet is an integral part in the correct regulation of diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. But let's learn how we must adjust our diet if we want to reduce blood sugar levels.

Restriction of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the usual suspects in the diet of diabetics because they can raise blood glucose levels. Foods rich in carbohydrates are bread, pasta, rice, cereals, potatoes, sugar, honey, chocolate and generally all sweets. Alternatively, there are also complex carbohydrates, such as brown or multi-grain bread, whole-grain pasta and unpeeled rice. These contain fiber and are thus absorbed more slowly without causing fluctuations in postprandial blood glucose levels. 

Eat foods with a low glycemic index

Foods with low GI do not sharply raise blood sugar levels and, by extension, insulin. For example broccoli, asparagus, spinach, Swiss chard, kale and cauliflower are great choices.


Restriction of fats

For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which are very common in diabetic people, it is important to strictly limit the intake of saturated (animal) fat contained in red meat, whole milk and its products. Preferably use olive oil in your meals.

Watch out for salt

As for salt, the general recommendation is less than 6 grams of salt (often listed on food packages as NaCl or sodium) per day. But if a diabetic has hypertension, it is good to consume less than 2.4 grams of salt per day.

Exta small Tips

• Use seasonings such as oregano, basil, lemon instead of salt
• Put cinnamon in your diet
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day
• Consume fruits and not commercial juices, as they contain sugar and should be avoided in the diet for diabetes