Managing Diabetes: What You Need to Know
If you have diabetes, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and to carefully manage your blood glucose levels. You can do this by following a healthy diet, taking any prescribed medications, and maintaining regular exercise.
What Should You Eat?
There’s a special food pyramid designed for people with diabetes called the Diabetes Food Pyramid. It divides foods into six groups:
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Fats, sweets, and alcohol: Eat very little from this group, as it is at the top of the pyramid and the smallest section.
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Milk, meat, meat substitutes, and other proteins: Aim for 2 to 3 servings of milk and 4 to 6 ounces of meat or protein daily.
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Vegetables and fruits: Choose at least 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruit every day.
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Breads, grains, and starches: This group forms the base of the pyramid, so you should eat the most from here.
Check with your doctor for a copy of the diabetes food pyramid to learn about the correct servings and portion sizes tailored to you.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In this condition, the body does not produce insulin—a hormone that helps convert starches and sugars into energy needed for daily activities.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition with no cure. However, advances in medicine, research, and patient education have greatly improved outcomes. People with Type 1 diabetes can now live just as long as those without diabetes, provided they follow proper treatment and educate themselves about their condition.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is essential because it allows sugar (glucose), the basic fuel for cells, to enter them from the bloodstream.
When glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering the cells, it can gradually damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include fatigue, blurred vision, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.
If you suspect you might have diabetes, see your doctor for a checkup. Even minor weight loss can significantly improve blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes.
Final Tips
If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to:
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Stay under your doctor’s care.
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Watch your diet carefully—limit sweets, fats, and alcohol.
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Enjoy good-tasting foods by exploring diabetic-friendly recipes online.
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Follow a doctor-approved exercise program.
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Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.
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Educate yourself about diabetes so you can take control of your health, instead of letting the disease control you.
