Diabetes is one of the only diseases where your food plays a part in the treatment. Eating too much can make you overweight, which raises insulin resistance. The kinds of foods you eat can affect your blood glucose levels. Taking good care of yourself means learning how to manage food and meals.
Good nutrition for diabetes can be approached on three levels.
1. What foods should I eat?
2. When should I eat?
3. Should I watch my portion sizes?
But that's not all. Chances are, you are going to have to make changes to how you are eating.
- Although sweets aren't totally off limits, it's important to limit how many sweet foods you do eat.
- Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day can keep your blood sugar at a more constant level.
- Carbohydrates are one of the big players in diabetes management. Eat whole grain foods instead of processed, sugar-laden foods.
- Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Try for 5 to 7 servings a day.
- Limit the amount of fatty foods you eat.
- Limit alcohol consumption. If you do drink, keep it to 1 to 2 a day. Opt for heart-healthy red wine. The antioxidants found in wine are beneficial.
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Food plays a big part in how well your blood glucose levels are managed. When you combine this with the other cornerstones of diabetes, exercise and medications, you are on your way to feeling better and living well. Remember, you can keep your blood glucose levels on target by:
1. Making smart food decisions. Calorie Count is About.com's online diet website where you can customize an eating plan and meet others with like-minded goals.
2. Bumping up the daily exercise
3. Taking your prescribed medications
