Understanding & Managing
Diabetes
Nutrition
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As you have already learned form this module good blood glucose (sugar) control is instrumental in maintaining a long and healthy life.
Nutrition plays a large role in keeping us healthy regardless of our medical history.
The "Diabetic Diet" is not a diet at all, it is a life style of making
Healthy Choices
&
Monitoring Portions
Let's begin with the basics:
- RWe need food to survive
- Food is our body's source of Fuel & building material
- Through the processes of metabolism and digestion the body changes food so that it can be used for energy
The body breaks down food into basic nutrients
Carbohydrates Proteins Fats
Carbohydrates: are our main source of fuel for the body. They are broken down 100% to a sugar called Glucose. Carbohydrates includes starches & sugars. They are found in:
Bread, Pasta, Fruit, Vegetables, milk, sweets
Proteins- breaks down into amino acids, which are used to build and repair body tissues. Some protein can be stored for use as a secondary source of energy. They are found in:
Meats Poultry Fish Eggs Cheese Some Veggies (beans, legumes)
Fats - They breakdown into triglycerides, which are a combination of three fatty acids, and travel to the liver and eventually to fat cells to be used or stored for energy. They are found in:
Oils salad dressings meats nuts
Some Dairy
So, can you see that Carbohydrates that breakdown to 100% sugar (glucose) have the greatest effect on blood glucose
The right balance between carbohydrate and insulin (made by the pancreas or from injections) keeps your blood glucose level normal.
A Dietitian can help you choose the amount of carbohydrates that are right for you.
Counting Carbohydrates
1- recognize foods that contain carbohydrates (listed above)
2- Know what a portion size of carbohydrates is i.e.
1 Carbohydrate choice = 15 grams of carbohydrates
you can count grams of carbohydrates or carbohydrate choices
3- Understand how to read a food label
1st look at the Serving Size- this is the portion of food used as a reference on the nutrition label of that food (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=26128)
2nd look at the Total Carbohydrates
For example: the above food label reads
Serving Size = 1 0z or 19 chips
Total Carbohydrates = 15g
So, 1oz or 19 chips equals one serving of carbohydrates
One More Note:
The total number of Carbohydrates on the food label includes dietary fiber and sugar, so......look at the total number of carbohydrates not the sugar amount.
For additional information on diabetes and nutrition
http://www.graffixofeden.net
Created and maintained by Maria Soper RN BSN All information contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education. Always consult your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure. This site is not a substitute for regular medical care. Updated 06/20/07 Graphics: Microsoft clip art