Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar caused by the damage of pancreatic cells that secrete the insulin hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, converting sugar to energy for the benefit of the cells of the body, and if sugar levels are not controlled blood sugar, the patient Is exposed to many serious diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, inability to see, and many other complications.
Diabetic patients are advised to follow the diet pattern of sound and follow the proper health habits for patients with diabetes, where are advised to focus on foods rich in dietary fiber, and to minimize as much as possible from foods rich in carbohydrates with a high Glycemic index, because they lead to raise blood sugar levels after consumption of the meal directly, while foods With low glycemic index, it takes time to raise blood sugar levels, and thus work to control more high blood sugar, and advised diabetics to follow a diet focused on the consumption of a good amount of fiber found in many vegetables and Fruits and reduce fats and sugars, especially saturated fat, and the goal of dieting is to regulate the secretion of the hormone insulin to control blood sugar level, and must initially determine the nutritional needs of the patient sugar and the amount of calories that must be addressed.
A diabetic should consider the following when following a diet:
- The diet of the diabetic should contain the whole food groups, taking into account the amount of calories required according to the sugar test and the weight of the patient.
- Concentrate on foods that contain high fiber, because it helps reduce the level of sugar in the blood and reduce the absorption of fat, because it works on the packaging of carbohydrates and fats in the stomach and prevent absorption, and thus help to alleviate the problems of constipation suffered by a large segment of patients, Bran, brown rice and legumes with fiber-rich foods.
- Reduce the intake of foods containing saturated fats, such as red meat and replace them with fish, poultry and nuts and the use of olive oil in cooking instead of butter, and use the method of roasting instead of frying oil, and remove fat from meat and poultry before cooking.
- Eat low-fat dairy products as a substitute for whole-fat dairy.
- This system must be used as a daily, permanent and continuous routine.
- Diabetics should avoid eating sweets, foods containing sugar, soft drinks and sugar-containing juices as they contribute to elevated blood sugar levels.
- Reduce salt in food and avoid consumption of canned food because it contains a large amount of salt, which contributes to the raising of blood pressure, which is originally a complication of diabetes.
- Exercise is beneficial for heart health and helps in weight loss, and lowers the level of blood sugar.
- Drink enough water.