Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot use it. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that is needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the body’s cells, where it is used to produce energy. When insulin is missing, or not acting properly, blood glucose levels rise, a phenomenon we call hyperglycemia.
To control blood glucose, Nutrialma® leaves the following recommendations:
● Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, you should lose it in a balanced and progressive way.
Avoid fasting for more than 3 hours to avoid hypoglycemia. You should divide your food throughout the day into small meals.
● Opt for complex carbohydrates (whole grain varieties of bread, pasta, rice, and cereals), as they allow for better glycemic control.
● Consume vegetables daily through soups, salads, and legumes.
● Avoid consuming foods said to be “suitable for diabetics” without first consulting your doctor and/or nutritionist. Carefully read the ingredients list on the label of these products and watch out for sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol.
● Avoid consumption of sweets, cakes, candies, pastries and confectionery products, juices and soft drinks.
● Limit fat consumption, specifically avoiding saturated fats (butter, cream, lard, bacon, etc.). Give preference to olive oil for seasoning and cooking foods.
Avoid fatty meats (corned beef, ribs, bacon), preferring lean meats (e.g. loin). You should also prefer white meats (poultry) to red meats (beef, pork, lamb,
Try to eat fish at least four times a week.
● You can consume eggs as a substitute for meat or fish (poached, boiled, or scrambled).
● Increase your consumption of legumes (broad beans, peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas).
● Avoid sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity.
● Stay hydrated, drinking about 1.5 to 2L of water per day. The ideal amount will be enough to make your urine colorless and odorless.
References: Portuguese Society of Diabetology, 2020
