Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease (422 million people in 2014).
Many experts have noticed that the increase in the number of diabetics is due to the adoption of a Western lifestyle, choosing refined foods instead of traditional ones.
An important recommendation (for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) is to avoid sugar consumption, as it reduces the body's glucose tolerance and worsens vascular problems.
For diabetics, a change in nutrition is recommended towards the inclusion or increase in the amount of complex carbohydrates. The diet with the content of complex carbohydrates (70-75%), proteins (15-20%), fats (5-10%) is considered optimal for them.
Such a diet increases the ability of insulin to utilize sugar as a source of energy, reduces the risk of hyperglycemia, eliminates excess weight for type 2 diabetics, and normalizes blood cholesterol levels.
This diet has been found to reduce insulin requirements by 30-40% for type 1 diabetics and 70-100% for type 2 diabetics.
What should a diabetic diet contain?
- Vitamin B8 (inositol), which protects diabetics from peripheral neuropathy by reducing the likelihood of numbness and tingling of the hands and feet;
- Vitamin B7 (biotin), which has a positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism in diabetics;
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which reduces the severity of diabetic neuropathy and reduces the need for additional insulin for type 2 diabetics;
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), which may affect the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The use of cyanocobalamin is more effective under the guise of an injection;
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which can compensate for low insulin levels in the blood, maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, prevent cataracts and eliminate infections by stimulating the immune system;
- Vitamin E (tocopherol), which helps reduce problems at the vascular level and normalizes cholesterol levels;
- Manganese - a mineral that is involved in glucose metabolism;
- Magnesium - a mineral that reduces the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system and is involved in the control of diabetic retinopathy;
- Chromium - a mineral that lowers blood sugar levels, improves glucose tolerance, lowers insulin levels in the blood and optimizes the concentration of cholesterol in the body;
- Zinc can increase the body's tolerance to sugar;
- Potassium improves the diabetic's ability to use insulin effectively;
- Copper can improve cardiovascular health.
- Peas and okra, which can stabilize blood sugar levels and provide the body with fiber;
- Cinnamon may reduce the need for additional insulin for type 2 diabetics.
