Good Diabetic Diet

Diet is critical in a person with diabetes. There are differing concepts on what is the best diet but below is a guideline with some general principles. The diet of patients with type 1 diabetes should have approximately 35 calories per kg of body weight per day (or 16 calories per pound of body weight per day).

Patients with type 2 diabetes are generally prescribed a 1500-1800 calorie per day diet to lose weight and maintain an ideal body weight. However, this will depend on the person's age, sex, activity level, current weight and body style. More obese individuals may require more calories in the initial stages till their weight reduces. To maintain a large body requires more calories and a 1600 calorie diet might result in a far too rapid weight loss.

Men are built with more muscle mass generally and hence may require more calories. Muscle burns more calories per hour than fat. (Thus also one reason to regularly exercise and build up muscle!) Also, people whose activity level is low will have a lower daily caloric needs.

Ideally, carbohydrates should constitute about 50 percent of the daily calories (with the accepted range 40-60 percent). Lower carbohydrate intake is linked to lower blood sugar levels. However, the benefits of this can be negated by a higher fat diet taken to compensate for lower carbohydrates. This can be resolved by consuming monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in lieu of saturated fats.

Most people with diabetes find helpful to plan a diet with a dietician or nutritionist. They could decide which diet is best for them and how many calories they require. It is important for diabetics to understand the principles of carbohydrate counting and how to help control blood sugar levels through proper diet.

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Good Diabetic Diet