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Diabetes is a dangerous disease that occurs either when your pancreas can not form enough insulin or when the receptors cell in your body cannot effectively respond to insulin.
Insulin is seem as a hormone that moderate blood sugar. It is secreted by your pancreas. It carries blood sugar to the cells of the liver, muscles, adipose tissue while maintaining normal levels of glucose in the blood.
High blood sugar or low blood glucose is as a result of insulin not being able to regulates blood glucose. Over time, lead to destruction of the nerves and blood vessels
Consequently, this unregulated glucose in the blood start attacking the blood vessels in the eyes, kidney, nerves and heart.
There are different types of diabetes such as type I, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Diabeties come with various symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, frequent urination, anaemia among others.
South African food for Diabetics Treatment
1. Complex carbohydrates
carbohydrates is the primary source of body’s energy. It is packed with fiber, Starch and and other nutrients.
Complex carb include, yam, cocoyam, potatoes, sorghum, millet, wheat, rice, corn paps and corn gels, among others.
Dietitians emphasize on complex carbohydrates because it slow down the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream owing to its fiber content.
Research has shown that high consumption of dietary fiber help in managing type 2 diabetes. However, excessive intake of glycemic Starch and sugar is believed to impact negatively on the glucose metabolism leading to elevation of risk of type 2 diabetes (1)
2. Adequate intake of Vegetables
Vegetables are incredibly good in terms of managing diabetes. It is very low in calories and do not cause blood glucose spike.
There are numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidant, and fiber in vegetables which help regulate blood pressure.
Adequate intake of Vegetables enable our body secret insulin from the pancreas since it triggers insulin sensitivity.
Similarly, the dietary fiber in vegetables help moderate absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
3. Adequate intake of fruits
To meet daily requirement for vitamins, take at least one medium size of Orange, mangoes, guava or apple, Garden eggs, and cucumbers
Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals as well as other compounds which are beneficial to the body.
For example, vitamin C is abundantly seem in orange, and mangoes. It aid iron absorption, boost immune system even inhibit excessive accumulation of free radicals that may cause (2)
Research has proven that vitamin C supplements might decrease blood glucose, boost insulin sensitivity as well as secretion (3)
4. Protein
Moderate intake of protein can help in synthesis of hormone and insulin. Besides this role protein contributes in many bodily functions.
Source of protein include; chicken , turkey, beans, soybeans, sardine, mackerel, tuna fish, beans lentils, nuts, tofu among others.
White meat, especially those without fat on it, is thought to be helpful in management of type 2 diabetes.
Protein may serve as source of energy because it is break down into sugar. You may opt for lean protein as high fat content might predisposes you to weight gain and rise risk of heart disease.
6. Vegetables oil
Sunflower oil , olive oil , safflower oil, sesame oil, soybeans oil, are recommended to be taken in moderate amount.
They are excellent source of fat soluble vitamin A, D, E , K , monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fat.
Vegetable oils have also been found to be useful in the management of diabetes owing to the presence of these components. As they may help regulate insulin resistance and metabolic activity (4)
7. Weight loss
Weight loss is necessary when you are experiencing all forms of diabetes. Science has shown that weight loss help improve glyceamic regulations.
Overweight has been associated with increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, its important you eat adequately to avoid blood sugar spike (5)
8. Diary product
When you are diagnosed of diabete, taken dietary products might facilitate general well-being. It helps improve gut function and strengthen immune system.
Many people take 3 – 4 cup of diary product per day to maintain a healthy living.
Foods to limit
Deep-fried fish
Breaded, fried,
Hiigh-sodium meats
Processed meats,(bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats)
Ribs and other fatty cuts of meat
Poultry with the skin on
many baked goods
Sugary soft drinks
Sweet potatoes
Honey
Table sugar
Semovita
Alcohol
Read more;
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12 fascinating Health benefits of magnesium
Impressive Health benefits of potassium
Conclusion
Diabetes is a life threatening disease, when left untreated may lead destruction of cells.
It’s characterized with different symptoms such fatigue, weakness, urination,
South African food for Diabetics Treatment includes; Regular intake of Vegetables, fruits, diary product.
Foods to limit are Semovita, table sugar, alcohol, soft drinks to mention but a few.
