Diabetes mellites is a disorder wherein there is spiking blood glucose levels. Blood glucose is a sugar which is released from food and what is used by the body for energy. Insulin is the hormone that moves this glucose into the cells for utilisation. Diabetes mellites is of 2 types, Type 1 otherwise called insulin dependent diabetes mellites and Type 2 otherwise called Non Insulin dependent diabetes mellites. Type 1 or childhood diabetes is due to a defect in the pancreatic cells which are not able to pump insulin for the utilization of carbohydrates. Type 2 usually results in adulthood and it is due to the cells not being able to respond inspite of insulin being produced in adequate quantities.
As it is well known every food has a nutritional composition. Every meal has to be broken down in the mouth and in the stomach by numerous enzymes, into a paste like substance and then with the assistance of numerous contributions of the hepatobiliary system is finally absorbed in the intestines. After a meal, Carbs are broken down into glucose molecules and released into the blood. The beta cells of the pancreas release insulin which helps in the utilization of blood glucose by the body cells as fuel and any excess is stored as fat or converted in the liver to glycogen and stored. Between meals when the blood glucose levels are low, glucagon is released by the pancreas, which prompts the liver to convert stored up glycogen into glucose and release into the blood stream. Proteins are used for many bodily functions. They are broken down into amino acids and that which is in excess is taken to the liver and converted into glucose by a process called Gluconeogenesis. Fats in food on the other hand are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids are utilised for making hormones, fat soluble vitamins, cell membranes etc. Fats are an excellent source of energy. Though glucose is the preferred form of energy ketone bodies can be utilized for energy in the absence of glucose. This is good news for the diabetic group.There is another fuel other than glucose and hence there is no necessity to dump oneself with carbohydrates. Also let it be known that between heightened activity and during periods of rest fats are the preferred fuel source.
As far as diabetes is concerned the term commonly used is called the glycemic index and it is a number that denotes the ability of food to cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In comparison to sugar which has a glycemic index of 80, numerous food items are classified on a comparison scale using numbers. The lower the number the better it is for consumption in diabetics.
Myth about a diabetic diet are galore. An exhaustive list of diabetic foods are available. But the truth is that diets can be carved out of whatever is available. Rice can be eaten as can also be wheat, millets and any whole grain. There is a notion that fats should be avoided in diabetics. This is not true. A high fat diet such as the paleo diet has given excellent results in the control of diabetes. Wisdom and understanding of nutrition and exercise routines is all that is necessary to control diabetes. This by itself can prevent all the comorbidities associated with improper control of blood sugar.
Diabetics are advised to eat 3 small meals and 2 snacks – this is healthy eating every 3 hours in order to avoid craving as well as prevent spikes of blood sugar. Every meal needs a right mix of carbs, proteins and fats. Non vegetarian proteins are excellent proteins and can be consumed by the diabetic. Vegetarian proteins lack vital amino acids and hence may need other forms of food for compensation. Food rich in fats and proteins avoid blood sugar spikes and are recommended for diabetics. All the more since fats and cholesterol have been taken off the list of the probable etiology for coronary artery disease
The diabetic diet takes into account the eating pattern of the individual, the activity level of the individual and the BMI of the individual. Diabetics, especially the type 2 diabetes should remember that working on building the lean muscle mass is actually a treatment for diabetes and often leads to a reduction in medication. This group can go on a high protein diet to help them tone their muscles which in turn will use up the food and thus prevent spikes of blood sugar.
Diabetes is also a lifestyle disease and most of it is preventable. Even those with a familial predisposition can put it off for a lifetime with the right diet, right physique and the determination to be active as long as they live.
In India, people are coerced into believing that one particular food is good for diabetics. This changes every 5 years or so and then another ideal food comes into the picture. Every diabetic needs to know that there is no one good food for a diabetic. He need to know how his body handles various foods and hence should be in a position to check his blood glucose with a glucometer. This way he can choose foods which gives a fasting sugar somewhere between 70-100mg and a 2 hr postprandial sugar of around 140 mg. Self monitoring is to be stressed for control of diabetes.