High Glycemic Index = Loads Of Blood Sugar

You need not feel sentenced to a bland diet after you hear your doctor summons you for a session of “You have been diagnosed with diabetes and so watch out for what you eat”.

The body produces a hormone called insulin. In diabetics, the ability to make or utilize insulin is impaired. The body can't, thus, properly use glucose. Insulin is the key that unlocks cells to let glucose enter the blood stream providing energy for critical cell metabolism. Blood sugar in the non-diabetic is self-regulatory amending whatever foods are eaten. A diabetic, however, has to take extra care and consciously take balanced diet with insulin injections, exercise and any other sugar control measures.

Advice for a diabetic diet is based on the type of diabetes you suffer. In Type 1 diabetes, the diet is concerned mostly on eating food that helps overcome the insulin deficiency. One has to check the insulin levels regularly and realize how quickly you metabolize different foods.

In Type 2 diabetes the focus is more oriented towards controlling weight and improve the body's ability to utilize the insulin. It is important to have as much information on nutrition to avoid variations in the blood glucose level in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as in gestational diabetes.

Researchers have evolved a glycemic index that tells the ability of food to raise blood sugar. The glycemic index ranks food based on how quickly it can be digested, metabolized and then released into the bloodstream as glucose. The higher the number, the quicker the rise in blood sugar

Glycemic index should not be the only criterion when selecting what to eat. The glycemic index is most useful when deciding which high-carbohydrate foods to eat. But don't let the glycemic index persuade you into eating more carbohydrates than your body can handle, particularly if you have diabetes.

Foods high in carbohydrates should be adequate on diabetic's platter during each meal as it provides high glycemic index. Foods that contain carbohydrates include cereals, fruit and vegetables, rice, pasta and dried beans, peas and lentils. However, some carbohydrates that are digested slowly by the body have the best effect on blood glucose levels. It is recommended that a diabetic diet include at least one slow acting carbohydrate in every meal.

Eating less fat is important for people with diabetes because they need to watch their weight. Weight control is important as it reduces the risk of heart diseases, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Protein foods often contain fat. Protein and fat have low glycemic index.

People who are on tablets or insulin for their diabetes must be aware that alcohol could react with their medication. It is important that they discuss this issue with their dietitian or doctor.

Developing a healthy lifestyle and eating habits according to your nutritional needs will help you achieve control of your blood sugar. Type 1 diabetics must understand the function of insulin product they take and plan meals and snacks to avoid low blood sugar. Type 2 diabetics are advised to three standard meals a day and fill in with snacks the rest of the day, if necessary.

The glucose response to a particular food may be somewhat individual. So it is probably a good idea to watch your own blood glucose level after eating foods and determine if they have high or low GI.