Diabetic Diet :

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where the body is unable to process glucose (a form of sugar).

The most prevalent form of Diabetes is Type II Diabetes which occurs mainly in adults. You are at risk from this form of diabetes if you have a generic predisposition to it (i.e. it's in your family history), if you are overweight, and/or are aged over 40. In Type II Diabetes, the pancreas still creates insulin, but not enough, - or the insulin does not function correctly (insulin resistance). This form of Diabetes can be managed (to some degree) with the right diet and exercise, but also with diabetes pills and insulin.

Diet Plan for the Diabetic

A healthy eating plan for a Diabetic person is a traditional low fat diet. This diet would have a ration of 25-30% fats, 50-55% carbs, and 20% protein. This is the kind of diet that most governmental authorities recommend.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
1/2 Grapefruit, 1 medium bowl oatmeal topped with extra low-fat milk. 1 Tsp honey and 1 Tsp flax seeds.

Snack
1 kiwi fruit

Lunch
40g (uncooked) Basmati rice - cook and server with 4oz cooked chicken strips. 1 small orange, chopped cucumber, and 2 Tsp pine nuts, with oil-free French dressing.

Mid afternoon snack
2 dark rye crisp breads spread with yeast extract.

Dinner
4 oz salmon fillet topped with 1 1/2 Tsp olive oil blended with 1 garlic clove, grilled and server with 6ox potato mashed with seasoning. Serve with peas and spinach.
1 medium glass of dry white or red wine, or fruit juice.

Diabetic Guidelines

• Drink plenty of water (to aid in kidney function).
• Aim for slow but sustainable weight loss.
• Eat little and often - this helps keep blood sugar levels even.
• Don't eat less than 25% fats, as essential fats will help to slow down absorption of the meal.
• Try to eat plenty of fresh fruits, salads, and vegetables.

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