Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the amount of sugar in the blood rises due to insufficiency of the insulin hormone secreted from the pancreas or resistance to the effect of insulin in the tissues. Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) is observed in individuals with diabetes due to insulin deficiency or ineffectiveness.
If the symptoms of diabetes are mentioned; frequent urination, drinking a lot of water and thirst are seen due to the increase in the amount of sugar in the urine. Due to the inability of cells to use glucose, body energy is provided from proteins and fats instead of glucose. Thus, the individual both weakens and ketones (acetone) are formed in the urine.
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not secrete enough or no insulin. The most important causes of Type 1 diabetes are heredity, viruses that damage the pancreas or destruction of cells that make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body secretes the necessary insulin but cannot use it as desired. The most important causes of type 2 diabetes are age, obesity, stress and hypertension.
Many health problems are seen in diabetic patients as a result of not being able to control blood sugar:
- cardiovascular diseases
- kidney problems
- frequent infections
- eye problems
- paralysis
- sensory loss foot sores.
The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits throughout life and to prevent related disorders and improve the quality of life. Treatment steps are; nutrition, physical activity, insulin or medication. Since the main source of blood sugar is food, the most important treatment step is nutrition. The points that diabetes patients should pay attention to in their nutrition are as follows:
- Proper use of carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy, should be ensured. A completely carbohydrate-free diet is not suitable for individuals with diabetes, including every healthy individual. The aim of proper use of carbohydrates is to prefer complex carbohydrates. Since the absorption of complex carbohydrates will be slower, blood sugar does not rise suddenly and a feeling of satiety is provided. Patients should prefer fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, legumes and dairy products instead of white bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and sugary foods.
- Fibers are the undigested and unabsorbed parts of plant-based foods. They help regulate blood sugar. Patients should fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, dried legumes and cereals in their diet.
- Instead of solid fats and trans fats, liquid fats and omega-3 rich foods such as fish, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, spinach and purslane should be preferred.
- Increasing the time allocated to meals and eating slowly ensures that the feeling of satiety occurs with less food.
- The day should be started with a breakfast meal and 3 main meals and 2-4 snacks should be made.
Some foods help stabilize our blood sugar:
- Cinnamon: Daily consumption of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity and reduces the need for sweet and delays the feeling of hunger.
- Artichoke, celery, onion: It has blood sugar lowering properties.
- Vinegar and lemon juice: Prolongs the digestion time in the stomach and prevents sudden increase in blood sugar.
- Spices: They have positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol.
