Helpful Diabetes Information

In the past, the diabetic menu for patients with diabetes includes very low carbohydrate but high in protein and fat. The elevated risk of heart disease in diabetics and a better understanding of the metabolism of complex carbohydrates have brought about certain modifications.

Diabetic meal plans currently recommended by the American Diabetes Association are higher in carbohydrates, with 55 to 60% of the total calories coming from carbohydrates. These ought to be complex carbohydrates, not sugar. These meal plans are lower in protein, with 10 to 20% of the total calories coming from proteins of high biological value. It is recommended that fat provide only 25 to 30% of the total calories. Cholesterol ought to be restricted and there should be a high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats.

For both types of diabetics, it’s also important that the timing of meals and the relative proportions of carbohydrate, protein and fat remain consistent from day to day. The distribution of nutrients is generally in four to six feedings, with a fairly even distribution of carbohydrate, protein and fat at each feeding. Those who have Type 2 Diabetes who’re not treated with insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents do not need to adhere as closely towards the regular timing of meals and food distribution as those requiring insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents. The ADA currently recommends that a moderate salt restriction should be considered for persons who have diabetes but not one other medical problems.

The caloric requirements of the diabetic patient depend on the ideal body weight, activity degree of the patient and current weight. The perfect body weight can be determined by using the standard tables based on height and frame size. For calculating daily caloric requirement for an adult, a simple method allows a basal dependence on 10 calories per pound of ideal bodyweight.

These are the specific composition of the diabetic meal plan that you must remember and the factors that will affect your caloric need. Check out more at http://www.diabeticmenu.org/.