Safe Food Choices for Diabetes

Proper diet is very important for people with diabetes mellitus or often referred to as sugar disease. But no less important is knowing your diet or food choices that can ward off these conditions. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body's performance in utilizing glucose or blood sugar. Glucose is very important for the body as a source of energy for every cell such as the brain, heart and muscles. To utilize glucose, the body needs the hormone insulin. But in people with diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin or insulin cannot function properly.

Types of Diabetes

If someone has diabetes, it means that the body is not effective in burning blood sugar into energy so that it is excessive in the blood. This can cause serious health problems. There are two types of diabetes, namely:

• Type 1 diabetes, the condition of the body does not produce insulin at all. It is estimated that only about 10 percent of diabetes cases worldwide.
• Type 2 diabetes, the condition of the body can not produce enough insulin to function properly. 90 percent of diabetics fall into type 2 diabetes.

What Includes Diabetes Friendly Foods?

It is important for diabetics to maintain a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients, low in fat and calories, with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating patterns are very instrumental in the development of this disease and the effectiveness of the treatment that the patient is undergoing. For most people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss can also help control blood sugar and bring various other health benefits. The following types of food should be consumed

• Complex carbohydrates. Try to focus on healthier carbohydrate sources such as fruits, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products. Reduce refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice, because they can increase blood sugar levels quickly.
• Lean fish and meat. High protein content in meat does not affect blood sugar levels as carbohydrates. When consumed in adequate portions, fish meat, skinless chicken breast, and low-fat meat become the right choice for diabetics.
• Foods rich in fiber. Fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease and help control blood sugar levels, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, wheat flour, and rice with epidermis.
• Healthy fats and proteins. Avoid red meat and processed meats. Eating patterns that contain unsaturated fat can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Canola oil and olive oil are excellent choices for fat sources, as are fats in avocados, nuts, and seeds.
• Cinnamon. This herb is said to have an effect similar to insulin and helps reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Researchers in Germany in a study concluded that cinnamon extract appeared to have a moderate effect in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. However, further research is still needed.

Sugar Substitutes and Artificial Sweeteners

Diabetics must choose the right foods, especially those that have to do with sugar or sweet foods. The aim is to control blood sugar levels so as not to surge. If you want to consume sugar, you can consider sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners. In contrast to natural sugar which is a carbohydrate, artificial sweeteners have been designed in the laboratory so that it does not contain calories and does not make blood sugar levels rise. Some sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners that can be consumed by diabetics are:

• Aspartame

Can be added to hot or cold food, but if added to high temperature food, the taste of aspartame becomes less sweet. Although it can be consumed by people with diabetes, you still have to obey the rules of use. In addition, know for sure your condition, because aspartame is dangerous for people with genetic disorders such as phenylketonuria.

• Advantam

This substance is usually found in cakes, fruit juices, syrups, foods and soft drinks. Although safe for diabetics, but you should still limit consumption of these sweeteners.

• Saccharin

Saccharin can be added to hot and cold food. This substance may be consumed by diabetics but avoid saccharin during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Sukralos

Usually there is food that has been processed. Can be consumed in cold or hot conditions.

• Acesulfam

Just like sukralos, acesulfam is usually used on processed foods such as baking or cooking. This substance can also be used on hot and cold foods.

Controlling blood sugar levels for diabetics can be done by paying more attention to food intake and taking medication. You can continue to eat sweet foods by adding artificial sweeteners, provided they are not excessive. Consultation to the doctor for the right diet for your condition, including the consumption of drugs needed.