Relative Relationship and Effect of Diet on Diabetes
Diabetes is significantly the deficiency of control of blood sugar levels inside the body of an individual, whereas carbohydrates are complex and after consumption, they are decomposed into glucose which forms part of the blood.
Insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas, opens the doors of the cells to let glucose in and stabilize the blood sugar level. This process is absent in patients suffering from diabetes as the glucose remains in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
Nutrition is an essential determinant of glycemic control in the human body. Some foods cause a person’s blood sugar levels to rise more quickly than others, and continuously spiking one’s blood sugar level eventually worsens the diabetes symptoms as well as the likelihood of developing complications. When properly chosen and eaten, certain foods will slowly release sugar in the blood and enhance the health of diabetic individuals.
Benefits of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient that mostly affects blood glucose levels in the body. Carbohydrates when consumed are split into glucose during digestion and therefore increase the levels of blood glucose. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy, but the kind of carbohydrates that are consumed and the quantity that is consumed can affect the blood sugar levels more drastically.
There are two main types of carbohydrates:
- Simple
- Complex
Complex carbohydrates, also referred to as complex sugars, are slowly digested by the body and therefore give a rapid rise in glycaemic levels. These are also referred to as fast carbohydrates and include; sugar, honey, and fruit juice. However, complex carbohydrates consist of long-sized sugar molecules, therefore proving to stay longer in the body and thus do not increase the blood sugar levels in the body as quickly as simple carbohydrates do. Bread, cereals, pasta or rice, beans, peas, and potatoes or corn are the perfect examples of complex carbohydrates.
An appropriate diet involves a lot of complex carbohydrates and whole grains which are very essential in the management of blood sugar in diabetic patients. These are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the body alongside maintaining the blood sugar in the body. Also, daily ration and the timing of carbohydrate consumption are important to avoid sharply rising blood sugar levels and consequent energy boosts.
Proteins
Protein is one of the most vital macronutrients that exist in our bodies, it has a significant role in blood sugar control. Carbohydrates affect blood glucose or sugar directly but how we take proteins can have an indirect effect on blood sugar.
Combining protein with carbohydrates makes it possible to prevent a high rise in the rate of glucose from entering the bloodstream. Indeed, it has been reported that pre or mid-meal protein intake may prevent post-prandial hyperglycemia when carbohydrate is consumed. This is because of the incretin effect by which some hormones, which are themselves stimulated by the ingested protein affect also the secretion and rate of glucose absorption.
Furthermore, diets rich in protein have been found to help in weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity two factors that are very vital in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. But, it’s good to take note of the source of proteins. It’s associated with high-fat animal products, especially red meat which can increase blood glucose resulting in its adverse health effects. Sources of lean proteins such as poultry, fish, and vegetables should be embraced by diabetic patients.
Fats
Diabetes and fats have been despised for a very long time because everyone thinks that fat should be eliminated when managing diabetes. But the myth has been dispelled by existing studies and it has been found that there are healthy fats that help in controlling diabetes.
Now an important question arises that is– Which fat is bad for a person with diabetes?
Such fats as those found in olive oil, avocado, and nuts which are examples of unsaturated fats improve insulin sensitivity and thereby help to prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Saturated and trans fats, found in animal products and processed foods, raise blood sugar levels and affect insulin sensitivity.
Additionally, moderating the consumption of healthy fats in combination with carbohydrates means it will not cause a spike in the blood sugar level. Dietary fats can also help increase satisfaction, leading to fewer calories consumed and improved weight loss, an aspect of diabetes control.
Fiber
Fiber is a category of carbohydrate that the body cannot fully break down and eventually assimilates into the small intestine. Fiber is slowly digested and absorbed hence, it has an important impact on blood glucose regulation and can thus prevent surges in glucose levels.
Dietary fiber can be classified into two main types:
- Soluble
- Insoluble
The soluble fiber swells, or hydrates in the gut and moves slowly through the intestines thus slowing down the rate of movement of carbohydrates. Legumes, oats, and fruits are important sources of soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber does not and assists in easy passage through the bowels. Foods rich in insoluble fiber include whole grains, vegetables, and nuts.
Thus, the regular consumption of a diverse range of high-fiber foods can solve the problem of unstable blood sugar levels, and the other consequences related to diabetes. Moreover, excessive consumption of fiber supplements also leads to weight loss because fiber makes one feel fuller.
Relationship between Vitamin D and Blood Sugar Levels
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin; that has a definite role in the body including maintaining bone health, body immunity, and blood sugar control. Several cross-sectional studies indicated that low levels of vitamin D may be linked with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance.
It is therefore concluded that fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D, has a beneficial impact on blood glucose levels by directly influencing insulin responsiveness and glucose control. Several investigations have found that vitamin D can increase insulin levels, improve the capacity of insulin in the body, decrease inflammation, and exert an antioxidant effect. Consultation with a healthcare provider from the best nutrition hospital in Delhi on vitamin D intake through sunlight, food products, and supplements decreases the chances of developing diabetes through the regulation of blood sugar.
Although the role of diet in the context of diabetes is not straightforward as different groups of nutrients influence the condition in different ways, through the consumption of intricate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as well as high-fiber foods it would be easier for individuals with diabetes to control high blood sugar and related ailments. Also, replenishing your vitamin D stores may help with the management of your blood sugar levels as well.
The maintenance of good nutrition involves the consumption of adequate portions of nutrient-rich foods that are crucial in the prevention as well as in the treatment of diabetes. Concerned individuals should therefore seek advice and book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today for the best diet plan that fits everyone’s personalized needs.
