150 Principles of Food Science Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus is the body’s inability to move glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It allows glucose to move into the cells for use as energy. People who have diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies fail to recognize its presence. Therefore, people who have diabetes are unable to handle sudden large surges of sugar in their bloodstreams. High blood glucose levels can lead to long-term complications such as nerve damage and poor circulation. In the past, doctors recommended that people who have diabetes eliminate sugar from their diets. Many believed excess sugar would cause diabetes. Research indicates the best diet for a person with diabetes is not much different from an ordinary healthful diet. In 1994, the American Diabetes Association concluded that there is no one right diet for people with diabetes. Guidelines need to be based on individual weight, cholesterol levels, and other health factors. sticky film called plaque. The sticky nature of plaque causes it to adhere to the teeth, creating an oxygen- deprived environment. When oxygen is reduced, the bacteria release lactic, pyruvic, and acetic acids. These acids will slowly dissolve tooth enamel. Sugar can cause dental caries, but so can any food that contains carbohydrates. Bread or crackers are as likely to cause tooth decay as sugar. It is not so much the food you eat but how long it stays on your teeth that causes decay. Many communities add fluoride to water supplies. Drinking fluoridated water helps increase the resis- tance of tooth enamel to decay. Keeping your teeth clean, however, is the best way to prevent tooth decay. Regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste will help slow the production of plaque. Daily flossing will help remove plaque that is clinging to teeth. Seeing a dentist regularly is also an important part of caring for your teeth. • Watch portion sizes and get regular physical activity. Excess body fat interferes with the work of insulin. The more overweight a diabetic is, the more problems he or she is likely to have controlling blood sugar levels. • Increase vitamins C and E. High blood sugar levels increase cell-damaging free radicals. Recent studies indicate that neutralizing free radicals may reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Type 2 diabetes has been on the increase in children and adolescents during the last two decades. This is directly related to the rise in obesity rates. There is no one “magic eating plan” to reduce risks of diabetes. Consumption of sugars and carbohydrates, weight, activity level, and genetic makeup are all factors that determine risk. Generally, most people need to eat less and move more. Nutrition News Diet Recommendations for Diabetes The recommendations for people with diabetes are the same as for most other people. Eat a healthful, balanced diet. A key difference is that people who have diabetes need to be consistent in the amount of food consumed at each meal and the time the meals are served. Eating every three to four hours will help maintain blood sugar levels. A health professional such as a dietitian can help create an eating plan based on an individual’s needs. The Mayo Clinic and American Diabetes Association recommend the following guidelines: • Choose a variety of fiber-rich carbohydrate sources, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Avoid fruit juices. • Limit sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and high-starch vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and rice. • Choose lean meat, heart-healthy fish, and full-fat dairy options. • Choose mono- and polyunsaturated fat sources such as olive oil, canola oil, some kinds of nuts, and avocados. Studies show these fats are better for helping control blood sugar levels. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.