American Diabetic Association Diet - Recommendations From the Experts

For those individuals who suffer from type one or type two diabetes, it is very important to try and keep up normal levels of glucose in the blood. Irrespective of whether they are on insulin or any other type of oral medication, it will always be a goal to control blood pressure and to get to the ideal body weight for their frame. This ultimately aids in preventing any diabetes related complications such as heart and kidney disorders.

As are the recommendations for the general public, the American Diabetic Association recommends that limiting the intake of saturated (usually animal product related) fats while sensibly consuming products containing mono-unsaturated fats found in such things as olive and canola oils, and polyunsaturated fats found in products containing rapeseed and sunflower oil. As well as this, it is recommended to eat lots of fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, seeds, nuts and legumes.

As well as this, protein intake should be reduced if possible, with the best protein sources being those from fish and soy. The association also recommends that most calories in the diet should come from complex carbohydrates in the first instance, fats in the second and protein in third.

In scientific tests, it was discovered that individuals suffering from type two diabetes and focusing on a healthy high-carbohydrate, high fibre and low-fat diet, improved their glycosylated haemoglobin and cholesterol levels after only a year. Other effective methods of achieving the same results include using the glycemic index and counting the grams of carbohydrates consumed.

On top of maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, individuals should monitor their blood glucose levels very carefully to help prevent hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. Glycaemia values should be the following: 80-140mg/dL pre-meal and 100-160dL at bedtime, and levels should be checked at least four times daily. These are obviously average values, and can be different in the elderly, very young are pregnant women.

Tests can be carried out at home using a glycosylated haemoglobin testing kit, and these can evaluate the severity of the diabetes.

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