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Loading ...People with diabetes have to maintain a well balanced, regulated diet in order to keep their bodies healthy. This doesn’t have to be difficult so long as the consumer is aware of the products they buy and the choices they make in relation to their diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolism disorder affecting the way our bodies use digested food for energy. Most food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar in the blood, and is the main source of energy for the body. Diabetics have cells that process little insulin, or do not respond well to the insulin in the body. Glucose then builds up in the blood and is passed out through the urine, and cannot be absorbed by the body. So even though the blood contains enough glucose, the body cannot use it for energy.
Sugar Alternatives
Artificial sweeteners offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories. They are much sweeter than sugar, so less can be used to attain the same amount of sweetness, and can be a good part of a rounded diet. It’s important for diabetics to know that while artificial sweeteners may have fewer calories, they often have as many or more carbohydrates as sugar.
Honey for Diabetes
Honey has long been considered a great alternative to sugar by diabetics. It is sweeter than sugar, so less honey can be used, and honey is a natural product, making it more appealing to some than chemically created sugar alternatives. Honey also has some minerals, but in amounts small enough to have minimal impact on the body. However, honey has more carbohydrates than sugar does, and more calories. If honey is substituted for sugar, be sure to count the carbohydrates and remove them from elsewhere in your diet.
Moderation is Key
Sugar doesn’t raise blood glucose levels any more than other carbohydrates like potatoes and white rice. Instead of omitting sweets entirely, consider consuming healthy sweets in moderation, and substituting the carbohydrates from sweets somewhere else in your diet. Instead of eating a cookie, try angel food cake with fresh fruit. This way you get fruits in addition to the carbohydrates.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
- Eat a well balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Set and keep your diabetic goals.
- Choose wisely: when you eat sweets, choose your favorites and savor them.
- Eat smaller portions of sweets
- Opt for sugar free options when you can, just pay attention to carbohydrate levels
Sources:
http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/default.htm
Written by Gloria Price for MicroNutra Health™