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The
majority of people with diabetes, about 90 per cent, have type 2 diabetes
(formerly referred to as adult-onset, or non-insulin dependent diabetes).
This type of diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough
insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that
is produced. Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults after
the age of 40 but has also been seen in children with marked obesity.
About 10 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. People
with type 1 diabetes need to balance their carbohydrate intake with
insulin to control their blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes
is usually diagnosed in children and occurs when the pancreas is unable
to produce insulin. A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes
which is a temporary condition which affects a small proportion of
women who are pregnant. |
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The
main goal for people with diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels
in control by eating regular balanced meals, keeping active and
maintaining a healthy weight. Good control is important to reduce
the severity of complications.
Normally, foods (particularly those high in carbohydrates, such
as bread, pasta, fruit, vegetables, juice and sweets) are digested
and broken down into blood sugar or glucose in your body. Glucose
is the fuel your body and brain uses for energy. In order to use
blood glucose, your body needs insulin, which is produced by a gland
called the pancreas.
People with diabetes are unable to use glucose properly. The unused
glucose builds up in the blood stream. Higher than normal blood
sugar levels is the main concern with diabetes.
Careful meal planning is the cornerstone of good diabetes control.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood
sugar levels should visit a registered dietitian to work out a healthy
eating plan that suits their particular needs and lifestyle.
People with diabetes generally can enjoy a wide variety of foods.
The foods that they can eat are not much different that what is
recommended for individuals who don't have diabetes. Knowing how
much to eat and when to eat is what matters most.
Contrary to popular belief, eating sugar is not linked to the development
of diabetes. Diabetes is a complex disease, in which heredity plays
a role. However, whether they eat sugar or not, overweight people
have an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes, especially
if diabetes is in the family.
Careful meal planning is critical for controlling diabetes. The
Canadian Diabetic Association has developed healthy eating guidelines
to help people with diabetes make the right food choices. Here are
some tips to help you until you see a registered dietitian:
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Eat
three meals per day at regular times and space meals no more
than six hours apart. |
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You may benefit from a healthy snack. Eating at regular times
can help you control your blood glucose levels. |
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Limit
sugars and sweets such as sugar, regular pop, desserts, candies,
jam and honey. |
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Sugars increase blood glucose levels. |
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Limit
the amount of high fat foods you eat such as fried or deep-fried
foods, high fat snack |
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crackers
and chips, pastries and other baked goods. These foods contain
saturated fat which can increase blood cholesterol levels. Eating
a lot of high fat foods can also contribute to weight gain. |
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Eat
more high fibre foods such as whole grain breads and cereals
(e.g. wheat bran, whole wheat, |
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oat
bran, oatmeal, rye flour); vegetables and fruit; dried beans
(soybeans, black beans, kidney beans, chick peas), peas (green
and split), and lentils. High fibre foods may help you feel
full longer and may help lower blood glucose and blood cholesterol
levels. |
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If
you are thirsty, drink water. Beverages such as regular pop
and fruit juice will raise your blood |
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glucose. |
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Make
physical activity part of your every day routines. Regular physical
activity helps improve |
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blood glucose control. |
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Achieve
and maintain a healthy body weight. Even a moderate weight loss
of five to ten pounds |
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can
improve diabetes control significantly in people who are overweight.
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If you have diabetes or are
cooking for someone who has diabetes the following cookbooks
are a tremendous source of helpful advice and recipes. These
books have been published in cooperation with the Canadian Diabetes
Association.
Choice Menus: An Easy Guide with Recipes for Healthy Everyday
Meal Planning (Macmillan, 2000) by Marjorie Hollands RD
and Margaret Howard RD.
More Choice Menus: Another Easy Guide with Recipes for Healthy
Everyday Meal Planning (Macmillan, 1996) by Marjorie Hollands
RD and Margaret Howard RD.
Choice Menus Presents: Meal Planning with Recipes for One
or Two People (CDG books, 2000) by Marjorie Hollands RD
and Margaret Howard RD.
Meals for Good Health (Paper Birch Publishing, 1998)
by Karen Graham RD. Includes actual-size photographs of fifty
meals with recipes. |
For additional information on diabetes contact your local branch of
the Canadian
Diabetes Association or your local diabetes education centre.
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