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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 30 May 2014

Eating mindfully is a critical part of diabetes management. As you know, diabetes affects a person’s ability to effectively convert the sugar in the blood to energy. This causes the sugar level in the blood to rise, leading to further complications affecting various parts of the body.

But a diagnosis of diabetes does not have to mean hardship at the dinner table. With some thoughtful planning and a slight shift to healthier options, you can eat well and take pleasure in your food. 

Here are some points to keep in mind:

Type 1 diabetes shows up mostly in childhood or in young adults. It is very important that the youngster gets adequate carbohydrates, proteins and fats for optimum growth, but the food intake has to be balanced against their insulin dose and activity level. An imbalance will cause the blood sugar to become too high (hyperglycaemia) or too low (hypoglycaemia).

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. Here again, your dietary habits play a key role. If there’s a history of Type 2 diabetes in your family, you have to be particularly careful about what you eat, so you lower your probability of developing diabetes or delay the onset. A regular exercise regimen is also crucial. The right balance of food and physical activity helps to keep your blood sugar level under control. Remember, just as too many calories are harmful, so are too few as it may cause your blood sugar to drop to an unhealthy level. 

Gestational diabetes develops in some pregnant women during the 24th-28th week of pregnancy. One of the causes is high BMI (Body Mass Index) at the time of conception. If you are overweight and planning a pregnancy, try to lose weight before conceiving. It’s not a good idea to try and lose weight after conception as the pregnant mother needs to eat for the developing foetus as well. If you are overweight and pregnant, consult a registered dietitian and gynaecologist for a healthy eating plan.

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