In diabetes, which is one of the most common chronic diseases of today, creating a measured, balanced and conscious diet is of great importance in blood sugar control. Experts who say that 3 main and 3 snacks should be consumed daily to keep blood sugar at constant levels also draw attention to water consumption. Water should be drunk from time to time, not all at once.
November 14 is commemorated as World Diabetes Day by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Diabetes Federation (IDF) in memory of the birth anniversary of Fredrick Bantig, who discovered insulin in 1921 and made it possible to treat millions of patients with diabetes. The United Nations General Assembly has also officially recognized November 14 as "World Diabetes Day" since 2007. World Diabetes Day, in which various activities are organized to enlighten the public about the causes, symptoms, treatment and organ damage that diabetes can cause, is celebrated in our country under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse emphasized that nutrition plays a very important role in diabetes patients.
A measured, balanced and conscious eating pattern should be created
Noting that healthy nutrition is indispensable in diabetes, especially since the most important point is blood sugar balance, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse said, "The important thing is not to eat less or not to eat at all, but to consume foods in a way to meet the nutrient needs. Healthy Nutrition is a measured, balanced and conscious eating pattern."
Portions should be controlled, meals should not be skipped
"What is meant by moderate nutrition is portion control, while balanced eating is not missing meal times," said Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse and said the following:
"Moderate and balanced nutrition rules should be followed in order to avoid eating behaviors such as attacking food and binge eating when blood sugar drops. Conscious eating is based on knowing the content of the foods consumed. In diabetes, a simple sugar-free diet should be preferred instead of a carbohydrate-free diet. For example, simple sugars are generally abundant in products made with white sugar and pastry products, and foods containing sugar, glucose or fructose syrup on the label should be avoided as much as possible. If blood sugar is stable, it can be consumed with a protein source such as milk or buttermilk."
Healthy carbohydrates should be consumed
Reminding that high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys and brain in the long term, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse said, "Carbohydrates are not restricted if blood sugar levels are not too high or the insulin dose is not too high. The tissues in our body use carbohydrates for energy needs, so carbohydrates are actually the body's gasoline. For example, brain tissue uses only and only carbohydrates for energy. The glucose requirement of the brain in 1 hour is about 6 g. High blood sugar can be compensated in the short term, but low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to coma. In this case, a carbohydrate-free diet is unthinkable. However, the type and amount of carbohydrate is important. Whole grains, rye and buckwheat play an important role in stabilizing blood sugar. Thanks to their high fiber content, cereal products both stabilize blood sugar and provide satiety."
The importance of snacks in diabetics
"The reason why snacks are recommended in diabetes is to protect the patient from hypoglycemia and long hunger," said Köse, "Thus, both the risk of hypoglycemia is eliminated and the amount of food you will eat in the next meal is prevented from increasing by suppressing the feeling of hunger. Snacks both accelerate metabolism and stabilize blood sugar."
3 main and 3 snacks
For this reason, in order to keep blood sugar at constant levels, 3 main and 3 snacks should be consumed daily, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse said, "The best choice for snacks is to consume carbohydrate and protein-containing foods together. 2-2.5 hours after the main meals, there should be quality carbohydrate snacks such as fruit + almonds, cereal breadsticks + milk, rye sandwich with cheese, chickpeas + buttermilk. Products such as chocolate, candies, ice cream should not be included in the daily diet as they will cause blood sugar to rise and fall rapidly."
Water should be consumed intermittently, not all at once
Emphasizing that water consumption is even more important in patients with diabetes, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Köse said, "In order for blood sugar to remain stable, it must be consumed quickly in circulation. With the increase in water consumption, it helps to accelerate the circulatory system and has an indirect stabilizing effect on blood sugar. Cinnamon to be added to the water helps to stabilize blood sugar and prolongs the duration of satiety. It is essential to consume 30ml/kg of water per day, i.e. 30ml per body weight. It is also important how this amount of water, which corresponds to 2-2.5 liters on average, is consumed. Water consumed all at once will take a long time to enter the circulation and will not be of any benefit. It should be consumed with a distribution during the day. Drinking two glasses before each meal and snack will both facilitate the digestion of food and help control hunger."