Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that impedes the body's ability to make use of its primary fuel: glucose (blood sugar). This causes sugar to build up in the blood stream. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, gum disease and blindness. A carefully planned, wholesome diet is central to diabetes management. Many diabetics, however, struggle to comply with recommended dietary guidelines.
Dietary Knowledge
Mary A. Johnson, a certified dietitian and certified diabetes educator who works directly with patients, claims that people with diabetes often do not understand that all carbohydrates--not just sugar and white bread--can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. They may also not be aware of all the foods that contain carbohydrates. If you are a caregiver for someone with diabetes, take the time to make sure she really understands the carbohydrate content of various foods as well as serving sizes. If you have diabetes, set aside some time to learn enough basic nutrition to regulate your own carbohydrate consumption. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal, but your individual needs may require you to consume more or less. Talk with your health care provider to discover what is right for you.
Visible Results
Johnson recommends "carbohydrate homework" to her patients. For the homework, patients record their blood-sugar levels 90 minutes before and 90 minutes after nine separate meals--three each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also record what they eat and how much. Johnson has found that when patients discover for themselves the direct connection between what they eat and their blood sugar, they are more likely to comply with their diets. This approach also helps people with diabetes obtain more precise measurements for how many carbohydrates they can safely consume at each meal. This is important since individual carbohydrate needs can be difficult to assess.
Measurement Tools
To successfully count carbohydrates, you need to find a measurement tool that works for you. For some, counting individual grams at each meal allows them to prepare healthy meals or to know when they've had enough. Others will do better by tracking how many servings (or "exchanges") of carbohydrate are in a meal. Some people may require a highly structured menu plan for each meal of the day. The most effective approach is the one that best helps you maintain stable blood-sugar levels.
Other Considerations
Carbohydrates are not the only foods that should be regulated on a diabetic diet. Because people with diabetes are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, it is also important for them to reduce their intake of saturated fat. High intake of saturated fat further increases this risk. The ADA recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories. They do, however, encourage the consumption of "good fats." Good fats are the unsaturated fats found in nuts, olive oil, tofu, avocado and salmon. Whether trying to exchange one kind of fat for another or trying to control carbohydrate intake, forming new dietary patterns can be difficult. It requires commitment and a willingness to try new foods. For greatest success, learn new recipes, so you can add as many (or more) foods to your diet as you are taking away.
Tags: with diabetes, blood sugar, each meal, people with, people with diabetes, blood-sugar levels
