Medical nutritional therapy for diabetes:
Medical nutritional therapy is the basis of diabetes treatment, and all types of diabetes should implement effective and reasonable diet therapy. Otherwise, even if various medications are used, good results cannot be achieved.
The purposes of Medical nutritional therapy for diabetes include two aspects:
- Reasonable diet: Choose the appropriate diet types to ensure the basic life needs of the body, the growth and development needs of adolescent patients, and the fetus development needs of pregnant women. We usually call this purpose “dietary balance.”
- Control total calorie intake: Lower postprandial blood glucose levels to benefit disease control, reduce lipid metabolism disorders, and slow the progression of chronic complications. This is the literal meaning of “diet control.” As one of the five comprehensive prevention and control measures, diet therapy should benefit disease control while ensuring the basic needs of the body.
The value of Medical nutritional therapy for diabetes:
- Reduce the burden on islet β cells: Diabetes patients have varying degrees of islet function impairment. Excessive calories increase the burden on islets.
- Lose weight: especially in type 2 diabetes patients, obesity is a major risk factor, causing insulin resistance. Controlling diet can help reduce weight, burn excess fat, and enhance insulin sensitivity.
- Promote high-fiber foods, lowering postprandial blood glucose levels, feedbackly reducing β cell burden, and lowering insulin levels.
- Increase weight in malnourished individuals, improve overall health, promote normal growth and development in adolescent patients, and meet the energy needs of pregnant and lactating women.
- Correct existing metabolic disorders, especially lipid metabolism disorders.
- Be beneficial to the prevention and treatment of acute or chronic complications, such as low-protein diets for diabetic nephropathy, and low-salt diets for hypertension, etc.
In the management of diabetes, a balanced diet is essential for controlling blood sugar levels. Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, are recommended due to their low carbohydrate and calorie content, which makes them ideal for diabetes management. Whole grains, like whole wheat bread and brown rice, are rich in fiber and help slow down glucose absorption. Fruits, particularly those with a lower glycemic index such as apples and berries, provide natural sugars along with fiber and nutrients. Legumes, including lentils and black beans, are excellent sources of protein and fiber, which can be incorporated into various dishes.
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and chia seeds, are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, aiding in blood sugar control and satiety. Lean proteins, like skinless chicken and fish, are preferred to minimize saturated fat intake. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products offer calcium and protein without excessive fat. Incorporating healthy fats from sources like olive oil and avocado can also be beneficial. Balancing carbohydrate intake with physical activity and medication is crucial for effective diabetes management, and consulting with a dietitian specializing in diabetes can provide personalized meal planning advice.
