Do you have diabetes or pre-diabetes? Did you know that losing weight can delay the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes? And if you already have diabetes, proper nutrition is key to keeping the disease under control. In order to make weight loss easier, we have developed a diet adapted for diabetics. If this is your case and you want to lose weight, we have the solution!
Food vs. diabetes: what’s the connection?
As you may already know, diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. This can happen for a number of reasons, on the one hand the pancreas stops producing insulin (type 1 diabetes), on the other hand the body starts to build up insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes).
The truth is that part of the explanation for the failure of the pancreas to function lies in genetic predisposition. Still, when it comes to type 2 diabetes, its diagnosis is strongly associated with lifestyle. This is why people who are overweight, have sedentary habits and a poor diet are prone to type 2 diabetes, as weight gain promotes insulin resistance.
Following a healthy diet is therefore essential, not only to control blood sugar levels, but also cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure. Therefore, if you suffer from diabetes and are overweight, it is ideal to follow a diabetic diet to avoid the progression of the disease and possible complications.
What kind of diet should a diabetic follow?
Contrary to what was wrongly claimed some time ago, the diet for diabetics does not need to be different from that of a person without the disease. It should include all the food groups in a balanced and varied way, just like for any adult.
There are, however, some precautions to be taken because of the need to control blood glucose levels. But the important thing will always be to combat overweight, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
This is why the most appropriate approach in a diet for diabetics is the low-carb diet and the consumption of low-calorie meals.
Still, there are many factors to consider. I.e. if there are complications associated with diabetes, if the patient is insulin-dependent… The important thing is always to have nutritional support to best adapt the diet to each individual case. At Lev you can count on this same support, as you have access to free nutrition consultations every 10 days and a personalized weight loss plan.
Diet for diabetics: our nutritionists’ recommendations
- Carbohydrates: prefer slowly absorbed carbohydrates such as whole grains, grain legumes, sweet potatoes…
- Choose monounsaturated fats.
- Eat foods rich in fiber.
- Eat between 5 and 7 meals a day, 3 to 4 hours apart to avoid sugar spikes.
- Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.
Snacks for diabetics
Can people with diabetes eat sweets? Sweets and diabetes are two things that are usually not compatible. However, Lev meals, previously approved by the Directorate General for Health, are suitable for patients with diabetes. This is because they are low in sugars, fats and simple carbohydrates. Therefore, they help to keep blood glucose levels stable.
So with Lev you can eat chocolates, croissants, cookies… and satisfy your craving for sweets, even with a diagnosis of diabetes.
Lose weight with our diabetic diet with the right amount of nutrients and nutritional support. It’s easy to lose weight with Lev, without giving up sweets and what you like best! Book your free consultation with our team of nutritionists now and start the journey to a healthier life.