If you have diabetes, it does not mean you have to cut sugar out of your diet completely, but you should limit your intake as much as possible. Sugary foods can cause your blood-sugar levels to rise steeply, especially if you eat them on an empty stomach. If you do want something sweet, have it as part of a meal.
If you do choose to eat a food containing sugar, you need to adjust the total amount of carbohydrate you eat accordingly, because both contribute to raised blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).
Adapt your favorite meals
You do not need to forget your favorite meals if you have diabetes, you just need to learn how to adapt them. Opt for low- or reduced-fat dairy products, choose lean cuts of meat or skinless poultry, and grill, steam, poach, or bake food rather than frying or roasting. Also, reduce the sugar content when baking. Use calorie-free sweeteners to cook with as well as sweeten food after cooking.
When eating out, ask what is in a dish, and have any sauces served separately. Most airlines offer a meal option for those with diabetes - check before you travel.
Alcohol and diabetes
You should always avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach since it can cause blood-sugar levels to rise dramatically. If you have type 1 diabetes and choose to drink, always have a snack or a meal with alcohol, and drink sensibly - limit your consumption to three to four units of alcohol per day for men and two to three units per day for women.
Calorie-free sweeteners
These compounds have the unique property of providing an intensely sweet flavor in minute amounts. Although some do have an energy value, their calorific content is negligible as they are used in such small quantities. Intense sweeteners are classified as food additives; their use is controlled by the Sweeteners in Food Regulations, which specify the types of food in which they can be used and the maximum amount that can be used. Acesulfame-K, aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are the most widely used sweeteners (see Understanding nutritional claims on food labels). They are added to many processed foods and are available for use at home in tablet, liquid, and sprinkle forms. Most “sugar-free” products contain artificial sweeteners and they can be a valuable asset if you are trying to lose weight.
0 comments: