Managing Diabetes Through

Diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, entails making some life changes, but these are manageable, and you will adjust to your new routines! Your body will also feel better which makes the transition worth it! This cookbook is digital which means you can save it on your phone, computer, or tablet to take it with you!

The recipes compiled here are meant to help you create an eating plan that works for you. There is variety to choose from and fit your needs. There is no need for deprivation; it is mostly exchanging poor food choices for healthier food choices! Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and beans make wonderful and healthy diabetic meals. Fresh herbs are also a brilliant addition to any dish – especially when you need low-fat or low-sodium meals! Snacks and desserts can also be enjoyed; with adjustments to the recipe, and in moderation, many favorites can be diabetic friendly and still taste amazing!

Recipes for diabetics do not have to be bland, can be suited for vegetarians and vegans, and can include dessert. The recipes you will find here are also fantastic for when you are entertaining guests, have a special occasion, or when life calls for a special indulgence. We all need comfort food now and then – right?!

I believe that home-cooking tastes better, is healthier, and it does not have to be difficult – it can also save you money which is very nice! In this e-book you will find a variety of recipes that will keep your menus lively and flavorful.

There are several types of diabetes, levels of severity, and stages. Additionally, each person is different which is why it is vital to consult your healthcare practitioner before embarking on the journey to control your diabetes.

The Control Factor

Food choices and exercise are critical to the success of managing diabetes and these are changes you can personally make. I have heard the phrase “too much sugar is bad for you” since I was a kid. I found out there is profound truth in this phrase after researching what high blood glucose does to your body; as you will see further down, high blood glucose causes great failures in a diabetic’s body.

Healthy eating is a first step to controlling diabetes

Since carbohydrates play a significant role in a diabetic nutritional plan, look through the recipes and choose one that fits into your daily plan. When you plan out an eating program, you will find it is easier to create a balance that meets your nutritional needs and goals. Stocking up on the ingredients is another way to make your life a lot easier!

Some key guidelines:
  • Regulating Blood Glucose is KEY! Remember this always.
  • Eat fresh, unprocessed foods as much as you can – seasonal fruits and vegetables are great!
  • Develop an eating program to ensure you have a balanced diet.
  • What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat are equally important.
  • Eating at the same time every day is very helpful.
  • Know proper portions and stick to them!
  • Read food labels – once you get the hang of finding the key information, it will be a breeze!

Essential for controlling diabetes along with healthy eating

Exercise not only makes you feel better mentally, it makes your body feel good as it promotes better functioning of your body’s systems. Diabetics need this boost to help avoid, or repair, damage due to diabetes.

Benefits:
  • Helps to lower blood glucose levels
  • Helps lower or maintain weight
  • Improves circulation
  • Lowers stress

Creating Your Plan

Remember, talk with your healthcare practitioner prior to beginning any exercise regimen to determine whether you should avoid certain forms of exercise.

Understanding Diabetes

To make effective changes in your diet and lifestyle, it is important to have a base knowledge of diabetes. Equally essential to having the tools to create your diet and lifestyle plan is understanding what changes to make and why these changes are important. Please understand that the following lists are not comprehensive but intended to give an overview – or basic understanding – of symptoms to look for, what diabetes does to your body, potential complications, and what you can do to keep your body healthy.

Types & Causes of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

  • Formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes
  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. A collective opinion is that a genetic disposition, a virus, an infection, or another cause triggers the immune system to attack and destroy the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. A family history of diabetes is also a primary indicator of the likelihood of having Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Formerly referred to as adult-onset diabetes
  • TInsulin resistance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes.

Potential causes of insulin resistance:

  • Obesity - Many people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight
  • Genetic disposition
  • Family history
Potential risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes:
  • Being 40 years of age or older.
  • Being of Hispanic, Native American, South Asian, Asian, or African descent.
  • Having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
  • Having a history of gestational diabetes.
  • Suffering from the HIV infection

Consequences of Diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes may damage your body. While some conditions are less severe than others, it is important to be aware and be in tune with what is happening to your body.

Controlling your blood glucose is imperative to proper functioning of your body; too high blood glucose causes extreme problems for diabetics.

The following categories list some, but not all, conditions.

MILD,
BUT
REVERSIBLE

  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination and thirst
  • Gum and urinary tract infections
  • Obesity
  • Slow healing of skin irritation and wounds

SHORT-
TERM
COMPLICATIONS

If not treated, these conditions can be life threatening. Swift medical treatment is necessary.

Ketoacidosis:

  • A combination of ketosis and acidosis causes a buildup of ketone bodies and acidity in the blood
  • Occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin
  • Ketones, when at dangerous levels, can begin to poison the body

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS):

  • This is an emergency condition
  • More common with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Blood glucose levels spike dramatically high.
  • No ketone bodies are present in the blood or urine.
  • Usually caused by an illness or an infection.
  • If left uncontrolled, it may result in coma, seizures, and eventually death.

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose):

  • Occurs after not enough food or too much exercise.
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Hunger
  • Nervousness
  • Confusion
  • Coma – If left untreated for too long

LONG-
TERM
COMPLICATIONS

Long-term complications occur when diabetes is poorly controlled for a significant time period; typically, 10 years or more but that can vary.
Microvascular – Small Blood Vessel Damage

Diabetic Nephropathy:

High blood glucose causes kidney damage and may lead to kidney failure.

Diabetic Retinopathy:

  • High blood glucose causes damage to the retina and leads to blindness if left untreated.
  • Neovascular Glaucoma is a secondary complication that occurs when the body tries to repair the damaged blood vessels in the retina.

Diabetic Neuropathy:

  • High blood glucose causes damage to nerves which can cause varied symptoms – the most common is tingling and numbness in the feet.
  • Neuropathy can cause ulcers which, in turn, can cause gangrene
  • Gangrene is dangerous and can result in amputation.
Macrovascular – Large Blood Vessel Damage

Atherosclerotic Heart Disease (also known as Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemic Heart Disease):

Blockage of blood vessels to the heart causing a heart attack.

Arteriosclerotic Cerebrovascular Disease:

  • High blood glucose eventually causes a buildup of clots or fat deposits inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the neck and brain.
  • Blockage of blood vessels to the brain causing a stroke.

Arteriosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease:

Blood vessels in the legs can become blocked and result in the need for amputation of the legs or feet.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD):

  • Excess sugar in the blood causes blood vessels to narrow and restricts the blood supply to the limbs.
  • Symptoms include – discomfort and tingling in the limbs and sometimes difficulty in walking.
  • May lead to amputation of feet or legs if damage is severe.

OTHER
COMPLICATIONS

Eyes:

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma

Mental health:

  • High blood glucose levels may cause malfunction in the dopamine regulators.
  • The malfunction results in an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.

Hearing:

Loss of hearing due to high blood glucose damaging the auditory nerves.

Gastroparesis:

Muscles in the stomach stop functioning properly due to nerve damage caused by high blood glucose.

The recipes in this book will help to make organizing meals and snacks even more simple – and delicious too! There is a varied assortment of recipes that will keep your plan fresh and not repetitive. Combine this with an exercise plan and you will be well on your way to being healthier, feeling better, and controlling your diabetes!

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The information in this e-book is intended as a general overview of diabetes, diet and lifestyle suggestions, and are intended only to provide supportive advice. No information contained herein is to be considered health and/or medical advice or diagnosis. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner to discuss heath issues/concerns and seek their professional opinion, advice, and treatment options. It is important to pursue insight and advice from your healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or other lifestyle changes.

Copyright 2018. Recipes For Diabetics