Cure Diabetes With Nutritional and By Lifestyle Tips

There are different types of diabetes, and each person dealing with diabetes has a unique situation. Therefore, a universal ‘diabetes diet’ that suits all individuals with diabetes does not exist. However, we have formulated suggestions that can assist you in making more healthful dietary selections.

These guidelines for adopting healthy eating habits are of a broad nature and possess the potential to aid in the control of blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Moreover, they can contribute to weight management and decrease the likelihood of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular issues and strokes, as well as other health conditions, including specific types of cancers.

Our recommendations stem from research conducted among individuals diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While some of these suggestions may be applicable to other diabetes variations, such as gestational, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, or MODY, it’s crucial to note that seeking tailored guidance from a dietitian is essential, irrespective of the specific type of diabetes you have.

Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes referred to as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, is a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Such individuals require daily insulin injections. This type of diabetes generally affects children or adolescents.
2. Type 2 Diabetes referred to as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, is a condition in which the insulin production may be normal or even high but the insulin produced is not as effective as normal insulin. This type of diabetes generally affects overweight or obese adults.
3. Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. Women with Gestational Diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

Factors Which Cause Diabetes

In order to manage Diabetes or eliminate it from our lives, we must understand the factors that cause it.

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been identified as the number one risk factor for Diabetes. In fact, 80% of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight.
• Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoke elevates the level of inflammation in your body. This increases the risk of diabetes in smokers as opposed to non-smokers. Smoking can also elevate the level of blood glucose in your body and hence, worsen your insulin resistance.
• Physical Inactivity: can increase your risk of diabetes, even if you are not overweight or obese. On the other hand, in case you are overweight or obese – physical activity can help you reduce your risk of diabetes.

Tips to Manage Diabetes

• Medication: The first line of action to treat type 2 diabetes is anti-diabetic medications, and/or oral or IV insulin administration. Generally, insulin therapy is prescribed for type 1 diabetes. However, only medicines will not be able to control your diabetes. There are several other attached conditions, which we will discuss further.
• Quality Sleep: is extremely important to effectively manage diabetes. Reduced sleep or insomnia can result in hormone fluctuations which in turn leads to a spike in the blood glucose levels, leading to weight gain.
• Regular Examination: If possible, monitor blood glucose levels regularly in order to ensure that everything is under control. Medication, stress, physical activity, other illnesses, and the foods we eat can all impact our blood glucose levels.
• Stress Management: Physical or mental stress can aggravate diabetes. The degree at which stress impacts our blood glucose levels varies from one person to another. Studies show that almost all kinds of stress lead to a blood sugar spike.
• Regular Exercise: not only has a multifold impact on controlling and even reversing diabetes but also helps in burning fat and maintaining an optimum weight. Practicing any kind of exercise for at least thirty minutes a day can improve insulin sensitivity, help in maintaining blood glucose levels, and even diminish the risk of developing heart disease. Brisk walking, running, cycling, dancing, swimming, and biking are some of the recommended exercises that can elevate heart rate and control diabetes.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetes as it narrows blood vessels, raises blood glucose levels, and leads to inflammation.

Nutritional Strategy to Manage Diabetes

Try these nutritional tips and strategies to manage Diabetes Effectively

• The distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and protein in the diet should be such that it maintains blood glucose and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Replacing saturated fat with healthy fats such as avocados, nuts and olive oil can reduce insulin resistance and consume lean proteins.
• Take small frequent meals at regular intervals. Avoid large jumbo-sized meals.
• Keep a watch on portion size as having too much food can also lead to weight gain and related problems.
• 1 tsp of overnight soaked Methi seeds or Methi powder should be consumed every day in the morning or can be added to food.
• Consume more complex carbohydrates than simple sugars as they break down and release glucose slowly in the bloodstream.
• Fiber-rich foods like whole fruits, whole cereals, whole pulses, salads, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables are to be added to the daily diet. Be sure to pick whole fruits over juices.
• Avoid prepackaged, processed, and sugar-sweetened beverages completely.
• A recent study shows consumption of Moringa Leaves, fruits, seeds or powder lowers Blood Sugar levels which in turn helps in reducing Cardiovascular Diseases. Roots of Moringa are to be avoided because of the toxic content.
• Glycemic Index (GI) of foods is important in deciding whether to include them in the diet or not. Low GI foods are to be consumed to maintain blood glucose levels.

Food Selection As Per Glycemic Index

Food Groups	Foods With Low GI (Permitted in prescribed amount)	Foods With High GI (To be restricted)
Cereals	Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, bajra, jowar, oats, ragi, dalia, brown rice, barley, whole wheat pasta, multigrain & whole wheat bread.	Polished rice, white bread, Sago, maida, noodles, pasta, corn flakes, puffed rice.
Pulses	All pulses can be consumed moderately.	–
Vegetables	Green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, mushroom, onion, green beans, carrot, green peas, capsicum, gourds, parwal etc.	Potato, Beet root, sweet potato, yam, pumpkin, colocasia (arbi).
Fruits	Apple, guava, orange, sweet lime, peach, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, muskmelon etc.	Dates, watermelon, plum, grapes, banana, chickoo, mango, custard apple, canned fruits.
Nuts & oilseeds	All nuts & oilseeds can be consumed but in moderate proportion.	–
Milk & milk products	Skim milk, cow’s milk, curd, buttermilk.	Buffalo milk, full fat milk, cheese, cream.
Fats & oils	MUFA-PUFA-SFA in the ratio 1:1:1 to be consumed but not more than 4 tsp/day. MUFA- groundnut, mustard, linseed, olive, rice bran oil PUFA- sunflower, safflower, soyabean, corn oil SFA- ghee, butter, coconut oil	Vanaspati, Margarine, Mayonnaise.
Sugars	–	Sugar, honey, jaggery, sugarcane.
Snacks & desserts	Roasted chana, makhana, popcorn (low fat), American corn, air fry snacks, steamed snacks.	Ice cream, cold drink, pastries, patties, waffles, doughnuts, potato wafers, muffins, all fried and baked items

Diabetes is a disease which can be controlled if we are fully aware of its complications and by following strict dietary and lifestyle protocol. Our priority should be to monitor blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and ensure they are in control on a periodic basis to avoid complications in the future.