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Ada Diet Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the need of nutrients for a diabetic is analogous to the normal diet. Slight modifications make it individualised for different diabetics. Moderate sugar is allowed, though care is essential in ensuring normal blood glucose levels. Weight maintenance is important, as reduction of body weight results in reduced need for insulin. Reduction of body fat also aids in reducing the blood pressure. Thus, it also reduces the risk of cardio vascular problems.
The principle of a diabetic diet is high fibre, low fat, moderate carbohydrate and moderate protein. Avoid refined flour, such as refined flour and opt for whole wheat flour. Fresh fruits and raw vegetables are preferred, as they contribute to dietary fibre. Foods rich in cholesterol, Trans fats and saturated fats, such as egg yolk, butter, clarified butter and margarine are abstained from. Poly unsaturated oils are preferred. Choice of right foods helps in keeping a check on the body weight. The ideal body weight is calculated and maintained. Calorie counting is helpful in regulating the body weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart problems, thereby increasing the chances of death. Sodium is kept under control, by avoiding processed foods and preserved foods. High blood pressure or hypertension is associated with high sodium content. Increased sodium also results in water retention or oedema, which results in weight increase.
The effect of various foods on the blood glucose levels vary, as carbohydrates take around 5 minutes to 3 hours for conversion to sugar. Reading the labels is important, especially for diabetics. This helps in avoiding the unnecessary ingredients. Certain labels of food stuffs reveal values based on a high calorie diet. It is as high as that for a 2000 calorie diet, which is much higher than a diabetic's diet.
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