by Diabetes is a disease that can cause serious health effects. “Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb amputation,” says the World Health Organization (WHO).
It is considered silent, that is, it usually does not present symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. It is important to perform frequent medical examinations to find out if you have high glucose levels, which is the main risk factor for this disease.
At the time of receiving a diagnosis of some type of diabetes, the instructions provided by the professional following the case must be strictly followed to avoid complications that put people’s lives at risk and that can cause death, as is the case of diabetic neuropathy.
“Diabetes can also decrease the amount of blood flow in the feet. If you don’t have enough blood flow to your legs or feet, it’s harder for a sore or infection to heal. Sometimes a serious nerve infection never goes away. The infection can cause gangrene. If gangrene and foot ulcers do not improve with treatment, your toe, foot, or part of your leg may be amputated. A surgeon can perform an amputation to prevent a serious infection from spreading to the rest of the body, which could save your life.”detail the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the United States.
The experts of Mayo Clinic, non-profit entity dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, provide some recommendations to take into account in the diet if you have a diagnosis of diabetes. It should be noted that before making changes in diet, the ideal is to consult a doctor and a nutritionist.
healthy carbs
It must be clear that in the digestion process simple and complex carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the blood. Therefore, healthy carbohydrates should be given priority, which include the following:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- whole grains
- Legumes, such as beans and peas
- Low-fat dairy products, such as milk and cheese
High fiber foods
Fiber is of great relevance to the body, as it helps regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. Some sources of fiber are:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Walnuts
- Legumes, such as beans and peas
- whole grains
Fish
Fish has positive effects on heart health. The experts of this health entity recommend eating at least twice a week. Salmon, mackerel (avoid king mackerel), tuna, and sardines may be included. The way of preparation is important. Fried should be avoided.
Types of diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes: This type of diabetes is the least common. It can occur at any age, but it is usually suffered by children, adolescents, or young adults. It is characterized by a deficient production of insulin, the body does not produce or produces in minimal amounts.
- Type 2 diabetes: This type of diabetes is the most common. It usually occurs in adulthood (overweight), however, it is now increasingly occurring in children. In this disease the body is resistant to insulin and does not use it as it should.
- Gestational diabetes: this type of diabetes appears in the pregnancy stage. This disease increases the risk of complications in childbirth. At the same time that the mother and child develop type 2 diabetes in the future.
