To manage diabetes, one should have proper information about diabetes and should follow a diet plan to control blood glucose level.

Diabetes Types

Type 1 Diabetes - In type 1 diabetes (Insulin dependent diabetes), also known as juvenile onset diabetes, patients depends on insulin. Some important points regarding type 1 diabetes are -

1. There is usually sudden onset.
2. This form occurs mainly in the younger age group.
3. There is an inability of the pancreas to produce adequate amount of insulin. This may be caused by virus or due to autoimmunity.
4. The child is usually underweight.
5. Acidosis is fairly common.

Type 2 Diabetes - In type 2 diabetes (Non-insulin dependent diabetes), also known as adult onset diabetes, patients do not depend on insulin. Some important points regarding type 2 diabetes are -

1. It develops slowly and usually milder and more stable.
2. This form occurs mainly in adults. Women who have had large babies are also prone to develop this type of diabetes later in life.
3. Insulin may be produced by pancreas but action is impaired.
4. The person is usually overweight.
5. Acidosis is infrequent.
6. The majority of patients improves with weight loss and is maintained on diet therapy.

Diabetes Diet Plan

1. Dietary calorie should be 60-70% from carbohydrates, 15-20% from protein and 15-25% from fat. The minimum amount of carbohydrates should be 100g to prevent ketosis.
2. Fat with high poly unsaturated fatty acids like vegetable oil is preferred (sunflower oil, gingelly oil, corn oil) than animal fat and hydro-generated fat which contain more saturated fatty acids. Fish and chicken are preferred than meat and egg.
3. Simple sugars should be restricted since they are easily absorbed and have a high glycaemic index.
4. Whole wheat is preferred to rice because it contains 'Ascarbose' which allow carbohydrate to be absorbed slowly.
5. Food exchange lists should be followed to prevent hypo and hyperglycaemia. The exchange systems should be followed to avoid monotony, dietary constancy and flexibility.
6. Sodium intake is to be no more than 6g daily. Sodium is restricted to 3g in hypertensive diabetic patients.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.