Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body is not able to control and maintain normal blood glucose (or sugar) levels. Carbohydrate foods break down into glucose, which then goes or I should say is carried around in the blood stream. Insulin which is a hormone produced in the pancreas is needed for the absorption of glucose by our body’s cells for energy.

DIABETES COME IN TWO FORMS:

TYPE 1: Which is Insulin dependent Diabetes – this is where the pancreas of people with this produces no insulin, so they need to get insulin from injections done usually daily.

TYPE 2: Which is Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes – this is where the pancreas of people with this produces some insulin, but it is ineffective or insufficient, which is due to insulin resistance. It means that the body is unable to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Things that can help are: balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and weight control.

WHAT CAN BE DONE:

Base your meals on: Wholegrain breads, cereals, grain foods, vegetables, legumes and fruits.
Include a moderate amount of lean meats, eggs, chicken with no fat or skin, fish, and low or reduced fat dairy products.
Limit your amount of: fatty snacks, crisps, biscuits, pastries, added fat, butter, margarine, cooking oils, deep fried foods, pies and chocolate.

Cutting back on things such as: saturated fat, in your diet is important for managing weight, also help with cholesterol levels, and of course your diabetes. You can use small amounts of healthier fats such as polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats in your diet. Some of these things are sunflower, canola, macadamia nut, grape seed or olive spreads and oils.

Spread Carbohydrates throughout the day!!!
Carbohydrates found in foods are broken down in the body to their simplest form, which is glucose, this is why you should spread the intake of carbohydrates over the day, this will supply a good steady supply of glucose to the body. It is best to choose carbohydrate rich foods that are high in fibre and low in fat too.
Some of these foods are wholegrain breads, cereals, pasta, brown rice, fresh fruits, dried, canned, legumes, lentils, soy beans, and vegetables such as corn and potatoes.

WHAT IS THE GLYCAEMIC INDEX OF FOODS:
This is known as Low GI Index which is found in some foods, it is the rate at which carbohydrate is broken down to provide glucose to the body. The lower the GI, the slower the release of glucose and this is beneficial for people with diabetes. Try to include at least one low GI food at each meal.

SOME FOODS AND THEIR INDEX:
Low GI foods (55 or less) are: apples, bananas, pears, oranges, barely, semolina, pasta, noodles, mixed grain bread, porridge, toasted muesli, lentils and most legumes.
Moderate GI foods (55-69) are: apricots, pineapple, raisins, basmati, doongara rice, couscous, re bread, weet-bix, natural muesli and sweet corn.
High GI foods (70 or more) are: watermelon, dried dates, calrose white rice, jasmine rice, white bread, english muffins, puffed wheat, cornflakes and broad beans.

BE ACTIVE:
Being active can help to manage blood glucose levels, also great for your weight and cholesterol levels. Try to do something everyday for about 30 minutes. Also some vigorous activity on 3-4 days a week eg: squash, netball and speed walking is great, but remember to see you doctor before starting any exercise especially if you have not been excising regularly. Also knowing your blood glucose level, is vital for managing your diabetes.

For more information see your doctor.