Diabetes & Diet

Diabetes is a condition in which the body can no longer control the amount of sugar in the blood. This happens because the body is unable to produce enough INSULIN (a hormone responsible for controlling the sugar level in the blood).

INSULIN acts like a bridge - it carries the sugar (made from the foods we eat) from the blood to the muscles where it is used for energy.

If there is not enough INSULIN in the body the sugar level builds up in the blood and if this is not controlled it can lead to the following symptoms :

• increased thirst
• weight loss
• tiredness
• blurred vision
• passing more urine than normal
• itchiness

The diet for diabetes is a healthy diet and it can be followed by the whole family. But remember THE DIET IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR TREATMENT. The main points are :

1) Reduce sugar and sugary foods
2) Eat more high-fibre carbohydrates
3) Eat less fat and fatty foods
4) Eat regular meals containing carbohydrates
5) Achieve and maintain an ideal body weight
6) Take regular exercise as able

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DIABETES diabetes and diet (PDF) diabetes UK The charity for people with diabetes, Diabetes UK is the leading charity working for people with diabetes