Nutrition That way, diabetes can be well controlled

Healthy lifestyle: Diabetics have the course of the disease partly in their own hands

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of diabetic patients worldwide has been rising massively for years. In Germany, the disease continues to increase. With the right diet, the disease can often be managed quite well. This is indicated by the German Diabetes Aid.

More and more diabetics in Germany

In Germany, more and more people are suffering from diabetes. Many do not know about their illness for a long time. After diagnosis, sufferers are often treated quickly. But in many cases, a healthy lifestyle is enough to get the so-called "diabetes" under control. A balanced and varied diet helps sufferers to control their blood sugar more easily and prevent consequential damage. This is pointed out by diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid on the occasion of the Day of Healthy Eating.

A balanced and varied diet helps people with diabetes to control their blood sugar more easily and prevent consequential damage. (Image: Kurhan / fotolia.com)

There is no forbidden food

According to the experts, people with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 are basically allowed to eat anything. There is no special diet or prohibited foods. Nutrition nevertheless plays a major role in the therapy concept.

When it comes to healthy lifestyles, diabetics and people whose metabolism is completely healthy are generally subject to the same rules: many whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and preferably vegetable oils.

"Sugar should not exceed 10 percent of the daily energy," said Michaela Berger, board member of diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid.

"What's new is the limited power of recommendation to further reduce the intake of free sugars to below five percent of the total energy intake, or about 25 grams (6 weak teaspoons)."

In addition, less than 30 percent of the energy should be consumed in the form of fat, but ideally at least 40 grams of fiber.

Nutrition is the focus

In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the focus is on nutrition. "About half of all people with Type 2 diabetes could get by without medication," says Berger.

"Affected people who eat well and move well may be resistant to the insulin resistance that underlies the disease."

A healthy diet also has a positive influence on blood pressure and blood lipid levels and prevents sequelae in the long run.

"Overweight people with type 2 diabetes, in particular, should change their diet to reduce weight and improve their metabolism," said the diabetes counselor.

Often, losing weight can restore normal insulin levels.

Ingredients list and nutritional labeling on food packaging

Nutrition also plays an important role in people with type 1 diabetes. "It all depends on sound knowledge of how many carbohydrates, fats and fibers are in the food they consume," says Berger.

Because people with type 1 diabetes do not produce their own insulin or barely their own insulin, they need to inject the appropriate amount of the hormone insulin.

Since the end of 2016, food packaging in Germany must carry a list of ingredients and a nutrition label.

"For people with diabetes type 1, the information is essential to properly dose the daily insulin injections and to keep the sugar metabolism stable," said Berger.

In addition, it is important to have sufficient exercise that also helps to reduce high blood sugar.

The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week - or alternatively, 75 minutes of intense exercise. Sports such as jogging, Nordic walking, cycling or walking or dancing are also available. (Ad)