Ten Commandments of Diabetes

OK, I am the first to admit that I am not perfect in what I am about to relate to you! A good diabetic diet is not a lot different than a regular, healthy diet; it is just harder for many diabetics (especially those on insulin and certain other type of diabetes’ medicines. I know first hand that diabetes is a lifelong struggle; I also know that it is not a death sentence. Also, I understand that we diabetics are far from perfect, I comprehend that weight loss is difficult, and it can seem impossible. I have been and still am going down that road.

However, if you give up, complications of this malady can ruin life and lead to death. I thought it would be helpful to my readers, if I set out ten diabetes diet commandments that are common in most plans offered by nutritionists. As always consult your doctor before actually following any medical advice.

1. 1^st Commandment: Diet is a vital component in your overall diabetes control.  There is no way around this!  Your lousy diet is probably what got you into this mess, and it will take a good diet to help you get through it.  I hate this, but it is fact.
2. 2^nd Commandment:  A diabetic diet must be a well-balanced meal plan.  One thing I have learned that a diabetic diet is not so really different than a healthy man/woman’s plan.  The difference is the stakes (not steaks!) for the diabetic are much greater.  Did you know that many diabetics live longer and have a better quality of life than average folks because they become health conscience and follow their diet plans?  Look at it like a medical prescription from your doctor – this will help you to stay to it!
3. 3^rd Commandment: A diabetic diet must be tailored to your individual requirements, tastes, action level and life style.  Its goal is to deliver all the calories and nutrients you need while keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
4. 4^th Commandment: Diabetes is not a life punishment to a rigid and limiting menu plan.  There are basically NO foods that you cannot eat.  Moderation and balance are the keys.  Years ago, one dietician told me that I could not eat some things I really like, and, at the same time, insisted that I eat other things which would cause me to puke.  Her advice hurt me more than helped.  I have learned that a little moderation and balance opens a world of possibilities.  Just be careful!
5. 5^th Commandment: The diabetic diet plans fundamentally involve limiting your carbohydrate ingestion in order to manage your glucose levels.  Carbs are both friend and foe!  Water is good to swim in but it can also drown you.  In a similar way, the diabetic must take in carbohydrates but high sugar levels in the blood damage blood vessels and starve the healthy cells they feed.
6. 6^th Commandment: Another important commandment for a diabetic diet is to eat regularly, at the same times each day, and to eat a consistent amount of calories each day.  This is impossible in real life, but I include it because it is a worthy goal to strive!  In my case our family has an after church meal each Sunday which sets my meal plans spinning like a barrel ride down a steep hill.  I try to hold it in moderation, but I still pay for it.  I know I could do better, but –well, you know!  When you do falter, don’t beat yourself too much.  It happens to all!
7. 7^th Commandant:  Since the diabetic diet plans are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, be on the lookout for cookbooks that give emphasis to low-fat cooking.  This is a lifestyle change that is not that hard.  Many times taste is actually better with less fat!
8. 8^th Commandment: The most important and maybe most difficult aspect of the diabetic diet is meal planning,  If you are like me, too many times it is dinner time and I have no idea what the meal is going to be.  This does not diminish its importance, but you must work this as best as you can in the real world!
9. 9^th Commandment: Carbohydrate Counting offers hints and tips about how to eat.  Learn to read the labels of foods and get an idea how many carbs you are ingesting.  Carbohydrates are the fastest foods to bring sugar into the blood.  You are at war and the enemy is high blood sugar!  Know your enemy!
10. 10^th Commandment: When you have diabetes, your medicines are your best friends!  They are your first line of defense and battle in this disease.  Don’t leave home without them!

I hope these Ten Commandments have been helpful.  I invite you to read my other hubs on diabetes!

If you would like, here is my RSS feed for DIABETES HUBS OF WBISBILL.