The Full Guide to Nutrition and Diabetes Treatment: How Healthy Eating Can Help Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes is considered a global epidemic, with nearly five hundred million individuals suffering from diabetes worldwide, including around 500,000 patients in Israel. Diabetes can have devastating health consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, blindness, limb amputation, and more.
The treatment of diabetes aims to reduce the risk of such complications, allowing individuals to lead healthier and longer lives. In addition to medical care and various therapeutic interventions, an essential component of diabetes management is maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

The role of macronutrients and micronutrients in diabetes management:

When discussing different components of the diet, they are often divided into two main categories: macronutrients (nutrition components) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Macronutrients are substances that our bodies require in larger quantities. These include carbohydrates (complex carbohydrates), proteins, and fats.
Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are required in smaller amounts but play a critical role in various bodily processes. Micronutrients can be found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is often considered separately but is an essential part of a balanced diet. It is found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. In addition to its role in promoting healthy digestion, dietary fiber has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and is particularly important for individuals with diabetes.

To maintain healthy eating habits with diabetes, it is important to incorporate these components into your diet in a balanced and high-quality manner. For example, when referring to fats, the focus should be on healthy plant-based fats like olive oil, nuts, avocados, and tahini.

Proper protein intake is crucial as well for maintaining muscle mass and overall bodily functions. Additionally, consuming enough protein helps promote a prolonged feeling of fullness. Good sources of protein include legumes, tofu, fish, eggs, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.

The importance of blood sugar monitoring:
Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is a critical part of diabetes management. Home monitoring and clinic-based tests, such as the HbA1c test, help assess how well the disease is controlled and whether adjustments are needed in terms of diet, physical activity, medications, and more.
In addition, personal monitoring allows you to track which foods work best for you and which ones you should avoid. It also helps you understand the beneficial impact of physical activity on blood sugar balance.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Diabetes

The principles of nutrition for diabetes closely mirror those recommended for the general population, and this is no coincidence. These nutritional components are considered paramount for overall health while avoiding known detrimental factors.
However, for individuals with diabetes, particularly those at a heightened risk of nutrition-related complications, adherence to these nutritional principles is of utmost importance. Furthermore, there are specific nuances to consider depending on the type of diabetes.

The Significance of Nutrition in Type 1 Diabetes:
In addition to general dietary recommendations, there are crucial dietary considerations for individuals with type 1 diabetes. These include meal timing and meal composition, which are directly related to insulin utilization and must be synchronized with meal intake. Furthermore, for type 1 diabetes, it is recommended to count carbohydrates and distribute them evenly throughout the day, aligning with insulin dosing schedules.
These dietary aspects for individuals with type 1 diabetes require careful planning and are influenced by various factors. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate the expertise of a dietitian into the treatment plan.

The Importance of Nutrition in Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with overweight or obesity, making a dietary plan a crucial aspect of its management. Weight loss can significantly improve glycemic control, and therefore, a diabetes-specific diet often addresses this concern.
Even in cases of type 2 diabetes, guidance from a dietitian can assist in carbohydrate counting and proper distribution throughout the day to prevent blood sugar spikes. This is particularly important for individuals with advanced type 2 diabetes who may require insulin therapy.

Common Myths Surrounding Diabetes:

It is essential to dispel common myths that may hinder your ability to make healthier choices:

• Myth: It is permissible to consume products labeled "sugar-free" or containing sugar substitutes freely.
  Products labeled as "sugar-free" can still raise blood sugar levels as they may contain other carbohydrates. It is recommended to limit their consumption. The impact of sugar substitutes on blood sugar and overall health is debated, so moderation is key.
• Myth: Individuals with diabetes must follow a special diet different from those without diabetes.
  The principles of a healthy diet apply to everyone, regardless of whether they have diabetes. Transitioning your entire family to nutritious meals can promote better health for all in the long run.
• Myth: Fruits are forbidden due to their sugar content.
  Fruits contain sugar, but they also provide essential dietary fiber, which can slow the absorption of sugar and prevent blood sugar spikes. Whole fruits or cut fruits (not fruit juice) can be included in the diet, following recommendations from a dietitian.

Nutritional Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:

1. Incorporate Protein: Including protein in your meals can enhance satiety and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Additionally, protein can help maintain muscle mass during weight loss.
2. Choose Healthy Fats: Opt for healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, as they can contribute to better blood sugar balance and overall heart health.
3. Limit Sugary Beverages: Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juices, as they can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Opt for water or other low-calorie, unsweetened beverages.
4. Increase Fiber Intake: Increase your daily intake of dietary fiber by adding fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to your diet. Fiber can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
5. Avoid simple carbohydrates (white rice, pasta, white bread...) as much as possible.
6. Follow a Regular Meal Schedule: Stick to a regular eating pattern, including three main meals and three snacks, if needed. Avoid becoming overly hungry, as it can lead to overeating and erratic blood sugar levels.
7. Incorporate Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity helps improve glucose metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and support weight management. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise.

If your diabetes is not balanced, or if you have not visited a clinic recently, we encourage you to seek care at your healthcare facility. Leumit’s healthcare team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care and guidance to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.