Medical Guides

The general aims of nutrition therapy in diabetes are as follows:

• Improvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to as close to normal as possible
• Attainment of appropriate body weight • Reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis.
An ideal diabetic diet should have the following qualities:

1. It should be easy to follow.
2. The food should be delicious.
3. One should be able to eat sufficient so that he feels satisfied.
4. The food items should be easily available.
5. In addition to sugar control, it should have a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol levels and other associated conditions.
6. The diet should be acceptable so that permanent changes are made in the eating habits.
7. It should provide all the nutrients in adequate amounts. The net result should not only be achievement of optimal weight and control of blood sugar but also the ability to maintain the achieved targets, without feeling hunger, deprivation and fatigue. It should make one feel better and more energetic.
In medical terminology,  an ideal diet should be:
(a) Low in saturated fats
(b) Should contain minimal amount of cholesterol
(c) It should be low in oxidants (chemicals which cause damage to the body)
(d) It should be high in naturally occurring antioxidants (certain vitamins like Vitamin A, C and E, and minerals like selenium, zinc, etc., which protect from oxidants).

A high complex carbohydrate and low fat diet, which contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, would be an ideal diet for diabetics.

A diabetic should be aware about the following facts in meal planning:
1. Routine meal plan
2. Special foods
3. Diet on special
occasions
4. Dining out
5. Low cholesterol, low fat guidelines
6. Using sugar
7. About effects of alcohol.

The eating plan should:
• Include foods liked by the patient
• Take his daily activities and schedule into account
• Help in maintenance of blood glucose levels within target range
• Help in maintaining a healthy weight
• Help in prevention of diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure etc., which are linked to diet.