Diabetic Care and Treatment Includes a Healthy Diet

Did you know that there are more than 23 million people just in the United States alone who have some form of diabetes? This is a relatively small number when compared to the amount of people all over the world who have diabetes. This is a serious disease that, when not properly treated, can lead to a number of adverse health conditions, including kidney and heart disease.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs in when the body is either unable to create enough insulin or is not able to properly use the insulin it does create. When this happens, the body is not able to convert sugars into energy, and instead, can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease and kidney disease. There are three types of diabetes: juvenile or Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Of the three, the most common is Type 2 diabetes, which is seen in about 95% of all persons with diabetes.

Juvenile diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, and causes the body to not produce enough insulin. Patients must closely monitor their blood glucose levels, as well as take insulin therapy. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, usually at around 28 weeks or later. This happens in women who do not have a history of diabetes and often goes away when the baby is born. Most times, as long as the mother is taking care of herself, the baby will not be born with diabetes.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight is Essential in the Treatment of Diabetes

It is always important to maintain a healthy weight, but it is especially important for those with diabetes. This is a condition that can lead to being overweight, which can lead to heart disease and other health issues. It is essential that diabetics follow a healthy, well-balanced diet that is approved by their physicians, nutritionists,or dietitians, and provides all of the necessary nutrients for good health.

There are three macronutrients that are important for our bodies, and without them we would not be able to survive. These macronutrients are fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Now, we hear so much about how bad fats and carbohydrates are that it can be difficult to believe that we really do need them in our diets. We do. But it is important that we eat the good carbohydrates and fats, in the right amounts.

Protein is Necessary for a Healthy Diet

Protein is necessary because it plays a vital role in every function of our bodies. According to the American Diabetes Association, as well as the American Heart Association, protein should make up about 35% of the average adult's daily caloric intake. Protein is made up of a chain of amino acids, and there are two types of protein - complete and incomplete.

Complete Proteins - Complete proteins are those that contain all eight essential amino acids and all 14 non-essential amino acids.

Incomplete Proteins - These are proteins that do not contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins, when found in dietary sources, must be used in combination to get the right amount of the right proteins.

Essential Amino Acids - There are eight essential amino acids, and the body is unable to create them on its own. This is why they must come from dietary sources. The eight essential amino acids are threonine, tryptophan, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine, and phenylalanine.

Non-Essential Amino Acids - These are the amino acids that the body is able to create on its own. There are 14 non-essential amino acids: arginine, asparagine, cystine, proline, serine, aspartic acid, alanine, glycene, glutamic acid, tyrosine, glutamine, taurine, ornathine, and cysteine.

Complete and incomplete proteins can be found in a number of dietary sources. Animal-based proteins are all complete proteins. With the exception of soy, which is complete, plant-based proteins are incomplete, and should be eaten in combination to make sure that you are getting enough of the right protein in your diet.

Getting Protein from Supplements

Many diabetics find that they are not able to get all of the nutrients they need, including protein, from dietary sources. When this happens, many physicians recommend that their patients use supplements, such as protein supplements, which will provide all of the protein they need, as well as other vitamins and nutrients. And these supplements are great for those who are trying to maintain their weight. Of course, it is essential to read the ingredients and the nutritional information on the package to make sure that you are getting a supplement that is low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. Today's protein supplements are made from a variety of sources, including whey, casein, soy, rice, and egg proteins.

There are many different types of protein supplements available, and which ones are used all depends on the individual patient and his or her dietary needs. Many people like to use the convenient protein snack bars, which come in many delicious flavors, including chocolate. This not only provides protein, but also satisfies those chocolate or sweet cravings. Other people like the convenience of pre-mixed liquid protein drinks, which include delicious chocolate and vanilla shakes.

One of the most popular types of protein supplement is protein powder. These are the most versatile types of protein supplements on the market, and they can be used in a number of ways. There are unflavored protein powders, which are ideal to use as a protein boost to all of your favorite meals and can be added to most recipes unnoticed. Or there are many protein powders that come in a number of delicious flavors, including berry, fruit punch, chocolate, and vanilla. With the flavored protein powders, you can make some great-tasting shakes and smoothies that make perfect meal replacements.

Whether you are a diabetic or someone just looking to change your lifestyle and eat a healthier diet, it is important to discuss any dietary changes with your physician. There are many things that your diet may be missing, and your physician, or a dietitian, or nutritionist, will know best what you need to be healthy and happy for the rest of your life.

By Jim Duffy