Components Of A Diabetic Diet

Diet can play an essential role in managing diabetes, both for individuals who were recently diagnosed as well as those looking to lower their blood sugar. It is commonly known that refined and processed foods are high in sugar should be avoided or their consumption reduced by diabetes patients. Carbohydrates can also raise blood sugar, and it is now becoming apparent that diets high in fat can also negatively impact the health of diabetes patients, so it is important to look at all aspects of diet when eating to keep diabetes under control. With this in mind, get familiar with the components of a diabetic diet now.

Meals At Regular Intervals

It is highly recommended for individuals with diabetes to eat their meals at regular intervals. This can help prevent a roller coaster of rising and dropping blood glucose levels throughout the day. When individuals eat healthy meals fairly evenly spaced apart, their body can better maintain blood glucose control. Individuals may also find any diabetes medications they are taking will work much better when they eat on a regular basis. Some individuals find it difficult to eat three regular-sized meals a day. If this is the case, patients can speak with their medical provider or dietitian to see if eating five or six smaller meals a day would work better.

Continue reading to learn about the pieces of a diabetic diet now.

Include Good Fats And Avoid Bad Fats

The body needs fat for some of its important functions and to help the body to break down and utilize many of the nutrients found in the foods individuals eat. However, it is important to remember not all fats are created equal. Fats are typically classified as either good fats or bad fats. Good fats are found in fish and plant sources and include the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties. Bad fats are trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. These bad fats are found in many types of animal protein and highly refined or processed foods. Diabetes patients can be more prone to high cholesterol problems that can occur when eating too much of the bad fats, so they should be sure to include good fats and avoid bad fats in their diet.

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