Diabetic patients should eat certain foods to optimise their blood sugar. Usually, diabetes deprives the body of effectively processing carbohydrates to break them down into smaller units, reserved and used for energy.
During the prandial state, blood sugar primarily goes up. The pancreas reacts by releasing the insulin hormone to allow blood sugar to go into cells, thereby regulating blood sugar.
However, in people with diabetes, blood sugar remains high throughout the day (either during or after eating) because insulin cannot perform its primary function.
Though there are different types of diabetes, the common ones are types 1 and 2. Type 1 is also called absolute insulin deficiency, while type 2 is referred to as relative insulin deficiency.
Diabetes has become prevalent over the past few years, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. Despite the prevalence, the relief part is that diabetes can be controlled and managed.
A low-carb diet is the best way to control and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keeping blood sugar levels regular by eating low-carb diets reduces the risk of its complication.
A study revealed that people with type 2 diabetes who follow a low-carb diet controlled the condition over three years. Nonetheless, a low-carb diet is not for every individual. Also, a low-carb diet may be challenging for some people to stick on.
The proof shows that while a low-carb diet is not for everybody, it can be safe and effective in helping those with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, weight, and risk of heart disease.
Regardless of the benefits, it carries some risks, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as some carbohydrate foods contain essential nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals, fibre), which make an important part of a healthy diet.
If you’ve decided to adopt a low-carb diet, it’s vital to understand all the possible benefits and risks associated with it.
The low-carb diet meal plan
You can eat low-carb foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, avocados, olives, coconut oil, sour milk, cream cheese, etc., till you’re full.
You should steer clear of bread, pasta, cereal, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, taro, sweetened tea, beer, baked goods, candy, ice cream, dessert, etc.
To start a low-carb diet meal plan, create a sample menu of digestible carbs per meal to ensure you’re following your eating patterns regularly. Adjust the serving sizes if your carb tolerance is high or low.
Good to note:
A low-carb diet can help to avoid diabetic complications. It can also aid weight loss, keep blood pressure low, reduce energy slumps, and reverse the course of an illness.
Though, you must be able to stick with the low-carb diet for a long time before you can ultimately reap the benefits.
But before you start a new diet, speak to a doctor or dietitian first. The food you’re eating and your symptoms can be measured by how it affects your health over time.