Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which there is elevated blood glucose levels and altered energy metabolism. This is due to insulin not being produced in the body effectively or may be defective in its responses. The two type of diabetes are:
- Diabetes Type 1 (insulin dependent)
- Diabetes Type 2 (non-insulin dependent)
Diabetes Type 2 is the more common type of diabetes and is often associated with poor lifestyle habits including obesity, increased body fat, especially abdominal fat, decreased physical activity and aging. As body fat increases, body tissues become less sensitive to insulin.
Research shows that there is a high risk of a person with diabetes type 2 developing a dependency to insulin should they not follow a healthy eating program and increase their physical activity. There is a tremendous reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight.
Is Diabetes Linked to Nutrition?
Diabetes is closely linked to nutrition. Nutrition not only plays a role in its development, but in addition, plays an important role in its treatment. Diabetes can be managed by healthy eating, regular physical activity and maintenance of a healthy weight. For those people who follow this healthy lifestyle living, the chances for developing diabetes are greatly reduced.
For many years, diabetes treatment was focused more on sugar restriction. Through research, the new recommendations focus more on a low saturated fat intake and high fibre carbohydrate foods such as wholegrain breads, fruits and vegetables. Foods low in salt are recommended and it is important not to restrict sugar intake, but to consume moderate amounts.
Reducing the serving portions to a reasonable amount will help lose weight if necessary and help to sustain a healthy body weight.
It is recommended that a nutritionist or dietitian be seen in order to help with developing a healthy eating plan should the development of diabetes be something of concern or if you have diabetes.
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