Looking Beyond Diabetic Supplies-Working With the Glycemic Index

Managing diabetes is not only about remembering to order the necessary diabetes supplies and meeting with the health care professionals to determine dosages of medications. Managing diabetes remains the responsibility of the patient as managing diabetes is done most effectively by making lifestyle changes, something that only the patient can institute and maintain on a daily basis. Instead of being intimidated by this challenge the individual with diabetes can feel empowered. With a combination of factors such as education, confidence that the right diabetic testing supplies are always on hand and commitment to making those lifestyle changes, the patient can ensure that managing diabetes means being in control.

Managing diabetes is looking beyond preventative measures, adequate exercise and appropriate diabetes supplies and looking at diet, using the glycemic index as the guide. The glycemic index (GI) allows the patient to determine which carbohydrate-containing foods are least likely to cause a major spike in blood glucose. Since all foods have a direct effect on blood glucose, patients should determine which foods are best to include in their daily diet. This active management minimizes spikes and drops in blood glucose with the goal being to maintain blood glucose as constant as possible.

Many people, diabetics included, subsist on foods that rate high in the GI. This is detrimental to even the non-diabetic body as it causes spikes and dips in blood glucose. The body is pushed to work harder than it is meant to. Making the switch to a diet consisting of foods with low GI rating results in more level blood glucose throughout each day and healthier function of the body. Through a low GI diet, we can:

• Balance energy levels
• Improve diabetes management
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Manage weight
• Reduce hunger – by feeling “full” longer

Using the glycemic index as a guide, the patient with diabetes can do more than simply manage calories. GI ratings provides examples of which carbohydrates are better suited for healthy blood glucose levels. We also learn how to swap “bad carbs” for “good carbs”. By following just a few simple tips, this switch is made easy.
• For breakfast, choose to eat an egg and beans
• For breakfast, eat oatmeal or cereal based on oats, barley or bran.
• For lunch, add a side salad to the meal instead of French fries. Potatoes in general should be limited as much as possible.
• For lunch or dinner, eat lean meats with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Season with a sprinkle of garlic or seasoned salt – just a sprinkle!
• Switch white rice for brown rice. Add chicken broth to the water when cooking if unaccustomed to the taste of brown rice!
• Find recipes that use quinoa

The diabetic diet is not a limited one as is obvious when one becomes more familiar with the GI. For instance, learning that apples have a lower rating than melon encourages the patient to find healthy recipes for apple deserts which satisfy even that super sweet tooth.
Managing diet is a significant factor in managing diabetes in order to be in control and enjoy a healthy, happy lifestyle