Diabetes is the condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. This happens when the body's method of converting glucose into energy does not work properly and allows the level of glucose to rise. The process that converts glucose into energy relies on a hormone known as insulin. When the supply of insulin stops or it becomes ineffective, blood glucose levels can rise and results in diabetes.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes - This type of diabetes is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops if the body is not able to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in people under the age of 40, often in early childhood.
Type 2 diabetes - This type of diabetes is also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops when the body produces some but not enough of the insulin it needs, or when the body is not able to use the insulin properly. It is often found in people who are overweight.
Myths
The dietary advice for people with diabetes has changed considerably over the last century. At one point people with the diabetes were told to starve themselves!
Some years later people with diabetes were told to eliminate all sugar and sugary foods from their diet.
Facts
Today, however, the most important message for people with diabetes is to eat healthy food, in exactly the same way that is recommended for whole population - that is balanced diet based on fiber rich cereals, pulses and plenty of vegetables and is low in fat, salt and sugar. So the good news is that a small amount of refined cereals like refined flour, semolina, vermicilli, white bread; root vegetables like potatoes, yam; sugar and sugar containing foods can be eaten, preferably as part of healthy meal.
Alien is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. He is a contributing editor to home remedies, a site dedicated to the home remedies for common ailments. Check out for more information on diabetes diet and care. |
