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World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day, celebrated every year, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and proper management of diabetes. This global health campaign emphasizes the significance of informing and educating about diabetes, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. At the core of the fight against diabetes is dietary therapy – a tailored diet that plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar balance.Our nutritionist clinicat Poliklinika Priska Med provides expert support to people with diabetes, helping them achieve better control over their health through changes in eating habits.
What is diabetes and how to control it?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively use glucose, the primary energy source for our cells. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, where the body does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and type 2, where the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Without adequate insulin levels, glucose accumulates in the blood instead of being used as energy, which can lead to various health problems.
The key to controlling diabetes lies in regulating blood glucose levels, and diet is one of the components of diabetes treatment. Diabetic nutrition is not the same for every patient and depends on prescribed therapy, metabolic needs, habits, and physical activity.
What could this look like in practice?
1. Proper meal schedule
The number of meals depends on diabetes therapy, and regular and balanced meals throughout the day can help maintain stable blood glucose levels. Individual education of patients is of great importance for controlling carbohydrate intake relative to insulin dosage. Skipping meals negatively affects blood glucose control.
2. Macronutrients
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are essential components of food. The rate at which blood sugar rises depends on the type and amount of food consumed. Preference should be given to complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Such foods contain more fiber and release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly. It is recommended to avoid refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta, and sweets, which quickly raise blood sugar levels.
3. Fiber-rich diet
Dietary fiber slows digestion and glucose absorption and thus helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Excellent sources of fiber in the diet include foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
4. Proteins and healthy fats
Including proteins and healthy fats in a meal can help stabilize blood sugar levels. For example, Greek yogurt, nuts, avocados, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are excellent choices.
5. Menu planning
A plate of proper nutrition is one of the excellent ways we can represent the correct arrangement of foods in an individual meal. It is important to pay attention to the quantity and type of food as well as the timing of meals. Omitting even one food group leads to unsatisfactory regulation of blood sugar. The meal plan is based on dividing foods into six basic groups according to their energy and nutritional value.
6. Glycemic index (GI)
Understanding the glycemic index, which measures how quickly food raises blood sugar levels, can be useful. Foods with a low GI, like green vegetables, most fruits, and whole grains, increase insulin sensitivity, help control the disease, reduce hunger, and prolong the feeling of fullness. The duration and method of food preparation can also affect the GI. Pasta cooked al dente has a lower GI than pasta cooked for 20 minutes, while baked and mashed potatoes have, for example, a higher GI compared to boiled potatoes.
How to take the first step?
World Diabetes Day is an opportunity for reflection on the importance of proper management of this ubiquitous disease. Proper nutrition, understanding, and careful meal planning, along with choosing foods rich in fiber, proteins, and healthy fats, are key to controlling diabetes. Education about the glycemic index and balancing macronutrients can significantly contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels.
If you are among those facing the challenges of diabetes, our nutritionist clinic is at your disposal. We offer individualized counseling, where qualified professionals assess your dietary needs, helping you create a healthy diet that supports your health. Don’t let diabetes dictate your life.Contact us todayand schedule a free orientation meeting with a nutrition expert.