An Instructional on Diabetes Diet Guidelines

When it comes to a diabetes diet, there are many important things to know. One of the most important things to know about a diabetes diet is that different diabetic diagnosis can change each diabetic diet.

Before we get into all that however, let’s talk about the way weight can increase diabetes.
People who are obese or overweight are 80 times more likely to develop diabetes than those who maintain a healthy weight.  In a study produced by the Medstar Research Institute in Washington, D.C., almost 2,000 non-diabetic, overweight adults that were between the ages of 25 and 74 were measured for their risk of developing diabetes, they were also measured to see if they reduce their risk by losing weight. They study proved that in just losing two pounds a year for ten years, their risk of developing diabetes reduced by a third.

While exercise is important when it comes to losing weight, watching what one eats is often the most important thing a person can do to achieve their weight loss goal. The most important rule to know when it comes to diabetes and eating is that portion control means everything.

Different Types of Diabetic Diets

Gestational Diabetes Diet Guidelines

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens when a woman is pregnant. It is very important to follow diet guidelines to keep mother and baby both healthy and here are some tips to maintain a healthy diet that will keep glucose levels under control.

• If you are having morning sickness and cannot eat a stable meal, try eating cereal, pretzels or crackers (1-2 servings) before you get out of bed in the mornings.
• Eat throughout the day. Instead of choosing to eat 3 meals a day, try eating 6 small meals throughout the day.
• Always avoid foods that are high in saturated fats or fried foods or foods that are loaded with both grease and sodium.
• Foods that are high in fiber are a great choice such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, fruits and veggies and whole grain breads.
• Try to avoid sugar, eat it only in moderation. However, always ask your doctor when it comes to sugary foods.
• Vitamins are essential but even more so when it comes to diseases such as gestational diabetes or diabetes in general.
• Avoid sodas and fruit juice, water and milk are great options. Tea and coffee should be moderated.
• Crash diets or extreme exercise conditionings should be avoided when pregnant. These both could interfere with gestational diabetes.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages as alcohol typically raises blood sugar levels.
• Borderline or Pre-Diabetes Diet Guidelines

When a person is borderline or pre-diabetic, they still have a chance to turn things around before they become a full blown diabetic. Watching what one eats is always important but it becomes especially important when diagnosed with diabetes. However, before it gets to that point, there are diet guidelines one should follow in order to reduce the risk of sustaining type 2 diabetes.

• The first step is to change up eating habits. The thing that is most surprising for many people is that the eating habits do not have to change all that much. For some people, it is a minor shift and for others it’s a complete kitchen remodel in food. Either way, changing what one eats is very important.
• The kitchen should be full of foods that contain fiber. Foods like whole wheat, rolled oats, whole grains and bran are important to keep around when bordering on diabetes.
• Protein is also very important to have around such as legumes, peas or lentils. Of course, fish, eggs and chicken are also great protein sources. 2-3 servings of fish per week is a healthy amount for anyone bordering on diabetes or for anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Snacking on peanuts, almonds or other nuts can be heart healthy and are great sources of protein as well.
• Vegetables and fruits are great additions when it comes to keeping diabetes at bay. Eighty percent of vegetables should be carrots, yellow squash, lettuce, spinach or cucumbers.
• Low-fat yogurt and cheese make for really great healthy snacks.