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Diabetes

Practical advice on living with diabetes.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Diabetes is a health issue that is becoming more common in Irish people as our lifestyles change and we spend less time exercising, obesity increases, and diets remain high in sugars and fats. 

However, having diabetes does not mark the end of enjoyable meals. With a little planning and some creative thinking you can incorporate all the flavours and aromas food has to offer into a diet filled with delicious healthy options. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism. This means that glucose (which gives us energy), in the blood cannot be used properly to produce that energy due to the lack of the pancreatic hormone, insulin. The glucose then accumulates in the blood and the urine. This causes health problems if left untreated.

Our bodies make glucose in the liver when we eat carbohydrate/ starchy foods (bread, cereals, and potatoes), sugar, and sweet foods. The glucose then passes from the liver into the blood stream. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells in the body.

Symptoms of untreated diabetes include:

•    Thirst.
•    Passing large amounts of urine.
•    Extreme tiredness.
•    Blurred vision.
•    Weight loss.

If you have any questions or worries about your health, or if you think you might have diabetes, talk to your doctor or health care professional.

Types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependant diabetes. If you have Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Blood glucose must then be controlled by diet and insulin injections. 
  • Type 2 diabetes, is non insulin dependant diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the insulin it is producing is not working properly. Type 2 diabetes used to be associated with older adults; however it is now also seen in children and young adults. It is associated with a lack of physical activity and poor diet. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, namely healthy eating and increased physical activity. Find out more at www.diabetesireland.ie.


How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes is usually successfully treated in one of three ways:

  • Diet and physical activity.
  • Diet, physical activity and tablets.
  • Diet, physical activity and insulin.

Your doctor or health professional will decide on the best treatment to keep your blood glucose under control.

Eating healthily to manage diabetes:

Research has shown that having a healthy diet plays a key part in managing and living with diabetes. People with diabetes are not advised to go on a ‘special diet’ but rather to develop a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthily.

See the food pyramid to learn more about healthy eating.

It is important to stress that this is not a prescribed diet for a short period of time, but rather a change in dietary habits for life.

Practical advice:

  • Regular meals and snacks should be eaten. Read the facts on snacks for tips on choosing healthy snacks.
  • Carbohydrate (starchy food from the bottom shelf of the food pyramid) should form the main part of each meal and consistent amounts of carbohydrates should be eaten.
  • Protein foods (second shelf from the top of the food pyramid) should form a small portion of each meal. When eating meat, choose lean cuts where possible.
  • High fat food should be limited. Try to use low fat products and avoid frying. Grill, roast and boil instead. Read the facts on fats.
  • Alcohol intake should be kept within recommended guidelines. This is 21 standard drinks for men and 14 standard drinks for women per week. One standard drink equals a glass of lager, a glass of wine, or a measure of sprits. Find out more about alcohol and safer drinking.
  • A healthy weight should be achieved and maintained. Losing even a small amount of weight (for example, 5% to 10% of your current body weight), and keeping it off, will help to control the diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • 5+ portions of fruit and vegetables (second shelf from the bottom of the food pyramid) should be included in your daily diet.
  • Read the foods labels to get in the know about what you eat. Find out more about food labels.
  • Watch your portion size. Use a smaller plate. You’ll eat less!
  • Increase your physical activity –get fit! Find out more about getting fit, motivation and exercise tips here.

Find out more about diabetes and a healthy lifestyle:

This information was provided by the Community Nutrition & Dietetic Service of the Health Promotion Department, HSE Dublin North East.

Disclaimer: Your doctor/health professional will decide on the best treatment to keep your blood glucose under control.

Find out about World Diabetes Day.

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