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Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are progressive physical conditions for which there is no cure. However, people with either form of the disease can usually lead normal, fully functioning lives by managing their condition appropriately. Perhaps the most important factor in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is following a nutritious and appropriate diet.

The Type 1 version of diabetes is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to generate a sufficient insulin output. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream and renders the body unable to use it to produce energy in the normal manner. Over time, the body will completely lose its ability to produce insulin. Insulin injections are used to counteract the effects of the glucose, and dietary adjustments can be made to help the insulin treatments work more effectively.

Various studies have shown that the amount of carbohydrates (a category of foods that includes sugars, starches, and fiber) consumed will greatly impact the amount of insulin needed and the maintenance of blood sugar control in Type 1 sufferers. It is imperative that the carbohydrates consumed, insulin and physical activity must all be carefully balanced to that the blood sugar, or glucose, levels will remain in acceptable ranges. When diet, insulin and activity are out of balance, there will be large fluctuations in glucose levels. This is why it is imperative that people with Type 1 diabetes taking fixed doses of insulin should watch their carb intake closely at every meal and snack.

With Type 2 diabetes, the problem lies not in the body’s production of insulin, but in it’s response to insulin. Type 2 has been shown to be at least partially connected to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. This means that the nutritional goals for people with Type 2 diabetes will be slightly different. Here, the main focus should be on losing and controlling body weight. Of all Type 2 diabetics, an astounding eighty to ninety percent are overweight. For these people, the dietary changes begin with reducing calorie intake, eliminating saturated fat, close monitoring of carbohydrates and incorporating healthy monounsaturated fats including nuts and peanut butter. Not only will this diet serve to cause weight loss, it will stabilize the critical glucose levels.

Combining a consistent exercise program with correct dietary habits will result in better and more consistent glucose levels and improved reaction to insulin. Carbohydrate consumption should come from healthy whole grains, pasta, brown rice, beans and fresh fruit and vegetables rather than heavily processed foods. On occasion, one still might eat foods with a lot of sugar, such as birthday cake, for example. However, on those days when cake, candy or other sweets are consumed, one must then ensure that their usual daily intake of certain carbs like rice, pasta or potatoes is adjusted accordingly as well. This will ensure that calories and carbohydrates are kept in their proper balance.

Diabetes is a serious health condition which can result in acute health issues and possibly death. In certain instances, it can be treated by making changes to your diet. If you’re looking for a gestational diabetes diet plan or other advice on managing the condition, drop by the Diabetes Treatment site.