Nutritional Management of Diabetes Through Proper Feeding For Sustainable Living

This study examined nutritional management of diabetes through proper feeding for sustainable living. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose with common associated symptoms like polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia due to persistent rise in blood glucose. The different types of diabetes, causes, prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and principles of Nutrition in diabetes management were explained. There are two major types of diabetes, insulin-dependent and insulin-independent. Diabetes has become a serious public health concern Nationwide; experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Diabetes is diagnosed based on blood glucose levels. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/dl indicates a pre-diabetes condition; a level greater than 125 mg/ dl indicates diabetes. A healthy eating pattern, regular exercise, and medication are the chief constituents of diabetes management. Foods having a high glycemic index will produce a greater increase in blood glucose and will lead to a faster progression to diabetes mellitus. Ranges of eating patterns (combinations of different foods and food groups) are suitable for the nutritional management of diabetes. For good health, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, healthy fats and nuts, and lean protein are considered healthy for diabetics. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater your risk for complication such as cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, amputations and sexual dysfunction due to nerves and blood vessels damage. The study concluded that, the state, type, quality and quantity of the combination of food we eat can prevent or cause diseases in the body and diabetes can best be managed by eating healthy diet, maintained healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups. The study recommended that nutritional knowledge on adequate choice of diets and lifestyle plays a significant role in the management of diabetes mellitus for proper living.