Diabetes Mellitus Diet
Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia, due to deficiency or diminished effectiveness of insulin. The disease is chronic and affects the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, fat, water and electrolytes. A fair percentage of the cases may be due to over production of other hormones which are antagonistic to Insulin - e.g. glucagon, hormones of the pituitary, adrenaline and thyroid or due to increased production of substances which inactivate insulin e.g. - insulinase and insulin antagonists present in plasma. Diabetes is often found to be associated with other conditions such as blood pressure, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular disease, kidney disorder and the nervous system.Diabetes Mellitus Diet
Diabetes takes two main forms. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, formerly referred to as juvenile onset diabetes) usually develop at any age and often occurs where there is a family history of any form of diabetes. Non Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, as its former description late onset diabetes –implies tends to be much more common among older people. IDDM stems from an in ability of the pancreas to produce Insulin because of damaged or destroyed cells. This form of diabetes must be treated regularly with insulin injections. In susceptible individuals it can be sparked by viral infections such as a previous attack of mumps or German measles.
Characteristics of the Hispanic Diet
The contemporary diet of Hispanics in the United States is heavily influenced by the traditional dietary patterns of their countries of origin, as well as by the dietary practices of the adopted communities in which they live. As such, there are many regional differences between Hispanic subgroups, both in terms of the composition of the diet and the means of food preparation. Despite the heterogeneous ancestral backgrounds of Hispanic Americans, many Hispanics still retain core elements of the traditional Hispanic diet, including a reliance on grains and beans and the incorporation of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. Family life has traditionally occupied a central place in Hispanic culture, and this has influenced dietary behaviors through home preparation of meals and the practice of families eating together.
Metabolic disorders for sugars, fats and amino-acids have a significant influence on the physical performance of type 1 and 2 diabetics. Recent studies have given a great deal of attention to the influence of the entry of fatty acids into muscles and steatosis in skeletal muscles during the onset and development of insulin resistance. Another important mechanism that influences the maintenance of muscle mass and its performance is the transport of magnesium and its availability in muscle tissue. There is a lack of magnesium in the populations of the industrially developed world and its depletion leads to disorders of muscular function, especially in diabetics.
Refined carbohydrates and sugar from your diet should be avoided as they increase the blood sugar immediately. Fruit should be the major source of sweetness in your diet, as they are low in calories, high in fibers, and many other minerals and vitamins which are essential for keeping the body healthy.
Glycemic Index shows how much your blood sugar increases after eating different foods. Higher glycemic index means that the food you had eaten increases your blood sugar. With the help of it, you can always keep the blood sugar level under control.
A diabetic should follow a low carbohydrates, low fat & moderate protein diet. The diet should be high in complex carbohydrates ie. High fibre diet like vegetables, whole legumes, whole wheat products, oats etc. Products made from refined wheat flours should be restricted. Salads can be consumed in a any quantities but high fat salad dressings should be avoided. Fruits can be taken as per recommended by your dietician, fruit juices should be avoided and whenever possible fruit should be taken with the skin eg. Apple, Pear etc. Preferably avoid fruits along with your meals and you can take it 2 hours after or before a meal.
