Diabetic Starvation

Diabetic Starvation

I’ve read many articles on diabetes, but there is one subject that seems to be seriously overlooked; and that is….. diabetics who are starving themselves, because they think its the only way, to control sugar AND loose weight (without medication). Too many diabetics are also not talking to their doctors about this major problem; a lot of people are too embarrassed to tell their doctor that they are hungry, in addition to some diabetics seeing this as a possible sign of failure, weakness, and or not having will power. Diabetes is more complicated than people realize. It is extremely important that you stay in constant communication with your doctor. I understand that their are many people who prefer to do it naturally. However, for some of us, sometimes for what ever reason our bodies will not cooperate. Some diabetics (type 2 in particular) have no other choice but to be put on medications.

Another element that adds more difficulty, is the assumed or misinformation about carbohydrates. In the fitness world or the world of gym bunnies, there are some diets that promote high consumption of carbohydrates; but to a diabetic can be extremely dangerous in terms of long term. Many assume that carbohydrates are bad for you, then try to cut it out of their diet completely. This is not a good plan of action and can often prove dangerous for some diabetics; since carbs are literally our life force.  Paring up with a good endocrinologist is key. Endocrinologist, are not just people who talk to you about diet, they ARE DOCTORS and  most specialize in this area of diabetes and metabolism. Remember, just like computers, research and the study of diabetes, are always changing.

ALL DIABETICS NEED TO KNOW that carbohydrates is one of the main and vital sources for the body’s energy and fuel. Over 90% of what we consume has some form of carbohydrates, and that includes meats, rice, veggies, even some of the so called “sugar free” products (but that’s another subject by itself). The main thing to focus on is your quality of carbs you consume. You also need to know that, if you deprive yourself of all carbs (which is just about everything, short of leafy vegetables), your not only run the risk of making your body grow hungry; your depriving the body of its prime source of energy, depriving it of being able to defend itself against outside forces, such as bacteria, germs, infection, the ability to regenerate cells, to heal itself, as well as possible organ damage (long-term), these are just a few… The key thing to remember as a diabetic, your sugar cannot be consistently high OR consistently low, for a prolonged period of time. It is the consistency that causes the diabetic complications. This is when your blood glucose meter comes in, so you can monitor your blood and know where your heading, allows you to know how particular foods effect your blood glucose, and the opportunity to change your A1C to healthier numbers.

Carbohydrates are good for us in moderation. There are 2 main things to consider, in terms of carbohydrates (aka sugar) that is, natural sugars and processed sugars. Natural sugars are fruits, honey, etc., (some fruits have more sugars than others), and the process sugars are cakes, chocolates, taffys, pies, breads, etc,. You would want to go after the natural sugars, not just because of more vitamins and minerals, but because your body can break them down much better. You may be treating your tongue to a great tasting ‘devil’s chocolate cake”, but you are definitely not doing good by the rest of your body, when it is consumed in excess. On the other hand, it’s about better food choices, not starving your body either. Do not allow your tongue’s taste buds, override your need for nutrition.

Yogirajj
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