According to a recent report by the CDC, diabetes and lack of a healthy diet is increasing in young adults, and prediabetes in adults is more common than ever. Since 2000, diabetes mellitus in Mexico is the leading cause of death among women and the second among men. In 2010, this disease caused about 83,000 deaths in the country.
In fact, the number of diabetes worldwide is growing. Which led the CDC to label the situation an epidemic.
The role of the epidemic and what contributes to the condition
Diet is a major contributing factor to this condition. 89% of people with diabetes are overweight and 37% have chronic kidney disease.
Doctors have myriad dietary options to present to diabetic and prediabetic patients. But what foods and diets are safest and most effective for your patients according to science?
From sautéing grains to eating more non-starchy vegetables, here’s a dietary guide for patients with diabetes or prediabetes, according to studies and health experts.
Diet and diabetes: here’s what the evidence says
According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet-based approach to managing diabetes means sticking to regular meals and eating foods that are naturally high in nutrients and low in fat and calories.
The goals are to control blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and control heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Sticking to regular meals better regulates insulin production in diabetes
Consuming excess calories and fat increases blood glucose levels, which is precisely what diabetes patients should avoid. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to long-term problems, such as kidney, heart, or nerve damage.
Most people with diabetes are also overweight, and weight loss can lead to better control of blood glucose levels. Similarly, sticking to regular meals better regulates insulin production.
A diet-based approach to managing diabetes?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet-based approach to managing diabetes means sticking to regular meals and eating foods that are naturally high in nutrients and low in fat and calories.
The goals are to control blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and control heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Excessive calorie consumption
Consuming excess calories and fat increases blood glucose levels, which is precisely what diabetes patients should avoid. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to long-term problems, such as kidney, heart, or nerve damage.
Most people with diabetes are also overweight, and weight loss can lead to better control of blood glucose levels. Similarly, your patients should stick to regular meals. Which better regulates insulin production.
Food to eat
Four categories of foods can prevent or slow diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic: healthy carbohydrates, foods full of fiber, fish, and healthy fats.
Healthy carbohydrates include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes (such as peas and beans)
- Low-fat dairy products.
High fiber foods include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Walnuts
- Whole grains
What experts recommend for a healthy diet
Fiber refers to the parts of the plant that are indigestible and help to moderate the digestion process and regulate blood sugar levels.
Experts recommend eating “heart-healthy fish” twice a week, including mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines, all of which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help prevent heart disease.
Finally, nut, avocado and canola and olive oils are rich in healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). While these foods are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation, these healthy fats can help lower cholesterol.
According to the NIH, at least half of your patients’ daily intake should come from whole grains. And experts from the Cleveland Clinic point out that you should also try eating more non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes to control diabetes.
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