Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1), or does not properly process the insulin it is making (Type 2).
A diabetic’s diet has a great deal to say about how the condition will continue to affect them. Proper diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, but even in patients who have been diagnosed with either condition, a healthy diet can reduce the side effects and secondary illnesses that tend to crop up. Here are five factors to consider when managing diabetes.
1 - the Glucose Cycle
The primary element that requires management in diabetic patients is their glucose cycle. Glucose (a simple sugar) is brought into the body, then processed by way of insulin and removed. Diabetics’ bodies cannot accomplish this second task properly, which leads to glucose buildup and the development of secondary illnesses such as kidney damage. This is why many diabetic patients have to monitor their blood sugar.
2 - Mushrooms, Mushrooms!
As we’ve discussed, keeping your blood sugar level in check is an important part of diabetes management. Interestingly, there are certain mushrooms that are noted for their ability to lower blood sugar levels. The three most common are the reishi, maitake, and the agaricus blazei varieties. If you enjoy adding mushrooms to your recipes, consider including these with the usual shitaki or canned variety.
3 - Water, Water Everywhere
Water is always a vital nutrient to the body, and is even more critical for diabetics. Water promotes healthy bodily function, flushes out toxins and accumulated wastes, and maintains body temperature properly. When your body has the proper amount of water intake, you feel better, operate more healthily, and your system can adapt to greater strains, which include those brought on by diabetes.
4 - Whole Grain, No Pain
Fiber is a very important element in controlling blood sugar. The soluble fiber found in whole grain foods is particularly beneficial, since it slows digestion and allows your system more time to even out the process of managing blood sugar. This means insulin management is much more effective, making management of your entire condition much easier.
5 - the Doctor’s Orders
Before making any changes whatsoever to your diet, it is vitally important that you speak at length with your physician and dietician about your specific case. Diabetes is a highly individual illness, manifesting in different ways in every patient. Any changes to your diet should be checked for approval with your doctor, so you can be sure you’re going to get the best possible results. You don’t have to go it alone, so take your physician’s advice to heart.