Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease (422 million people in 2014).<br />Many experts have noticed that the increase in the number of diabetics is due to the adoption of a Western lifestyle, choosing refined foods instead of traditional ones.<br />An important recommendation (for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) is to avoid sugar consumption, as it reduces the body's glucose tolerance and worsens vascular problems.<br />For diabetics, a change in nutrition is recommended towards the inclusion or increase in the amount of complex carbohydrates. The diet with the content of complex carbohydrates (70-75%), proteins (15-20%), fats (5-10%) is considered optimal for them.<br />Such a diet increases the ability of insulin to utilize sugar as a source of energy, reduces the risk of hyperglycemia, eliminates excess weight for type 2 diabetics, and normalizes blood cholesterol levels.<br />This diet has been found to reduce insulin requirements by 30-40% for type 1 diabetics and 70-100% for type 2 diabetics.<br />What should a diabetic diet contain?<br />- Vitamin B8 (inositol), which protects diabetics from peripheral neuropathy by reducing the likelihood of numbness and tingling of the hands and feet;<br />- Vitamin B7 (biotin), which has a positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism in diabetics;<br />- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which reduces the severity of diabetic neuropathy and reduces the need for additional insulin for type 2 diabetics;<br />- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), which may affect the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The use of cyanocobalamin is more effective under the guise of an injection;<br />- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which can compensate for low insulin levels in the blood, maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, prevent cataracts and eliminate infections by stimulating the immune system;<br />- Vitamin E (tocopherol), which helps reduce problems at the vascular level and normalizes cholesterol levels;<br />- Manganese - a mineral that is involved in glucose metabolism;<br />- Magnesium - a mineral that reduces the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system and is involved in the control of diabetic retinopathy;<br />- Chromium - a mineral that lowers blood sugar levels, improves glucose tolerance, lowers insulin levels in the blood and optimizes the concentration of cholesterol in the body;<br />- Zinc can increase the body's tolerance to sugar;<br />- Potassium improves the diabetic's ability to use insulin effectively;<br />- Copper can improve cardiovascular health.<br />- Peas and okra, which can stabilize blood sugar levels and provide the body with fiber;<br />- Cinnamon may reduce the need for additional insulin for type 2 diabetics.
