Alcohol

Smoking

The best-known effect of smoking is that it causes cancer. But smoking can also aggravate many of the problems that people with diabetes already face, such as heart and blood vessel disease. Smoking related problems include:

 

  • Smoking cuts the amount of oxygen reaching tissues. The decrease in oxygen can lead
  • to a heart attack or stroke.
  • Smoking increases your cholesterol levels and the levels of some other fats in your blood, raising your risk of a heart attack.
  • If you are pregnant, smoking can result in an abnormally small baby and a higher risk
  • of having a miscarriage or stillborn baby.
  • Smoking damages and constricts the blood vessels. This damage can worsen foot ulcers and lead to blood vessel disease and leg and foot infections.
  • Smokers with diabetes are more likely to get nerve damage and kidney disease.
  • Smokers are more prone to get colds and respiratory infections.
  • Smoking increases your risk of developing limited joint movement.
  • Smoking can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, lung, and bladder.
  • People with diabetes who smoke are three times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as are non-smokers with diabetes.
  • Smoking increases your blood pressure
  • Smoking can raise your blood glucose level
  • If you are male, smoking can increase your chance of becoming impotent

 

Quit!

 

* Source: Diabetes New Zealand

Some people may think type 1 diabetes happens because of bad diet. Well, we all know it's

not true! So never blame yourself or let anyone blame you for being a type 1. However if you want

to live a happy life without diabetes complications you need to learn to eat healthy, count carbs and calculate your insulin based on what you eat.

 

Food has a crucial role in managing diabetes. The healthier you eat the easier it is to control

your blood glucose levels. Of course you can eat whatever you want. You'll be fine as long as you have right amount of insulin in your body.

 

The three main nutrients in food are:

 

  • Carbohydrate
  • Protein
  • Fat

 

Insulin is required by the body to be able to utilise these nutrients. A healthy balanced food plan will include all of these nutrients, although we require more of some than others.

 

Carbohydrates:

 

Most carbohydrate foods are good for people with diabetes, but those rich in fibre such as wholegrain breads (breads with lots of ‘grainy’ bits), high fibre breakfast cereals, legumes,

fruit and vegetables and those with low glycaemic index are better.

 

Carbohydrate foods that have a low glycaemic index (low GI) are more slowly digested

and produce a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels, helping to sustain more even

blood glucose levels.

 

Eating a consistent amount of carbohydrate at each meal and snack will help to keep blood glucose levels more stable. Aim to choose 3 or 4 serves of carbohydrate food at each meal. Eating meals and snacks at consistent times helps to keep your blood glucose levels within target range. Aim to eat something every 2 1/2 to 3 hours and main meals no longer than

4 - 5 hours apart.

 

Generally we only need to inject insulin for carbohydrates, specially if you're newly diagnosed don't worry about counting protein or fat in your food.

 

Protein:

 

Protein is required by the body for growth and repair of body tissues.

 

Protein rich sources include:

 

  • Red meat, fish, seafood, chicken , dairy products, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products (tofu, tempeh)

 

Many protein foods contain fat, so eating protein in excess will result in a higher fat intake

and contribute to weight gain.

 

Choose lower fat varieties - lean red meats, chicken without the skin, low fat milks and yoghurt, low fat cheeses, such as edam and cottage cheese.

 

Fat:

 

Fat is an important nutrient needed by the body, but only in very small amounts.

All fats are high in energy (kilojoules/kilocalories), so when eaten in excess, contribute greatly to weight gain.

There is no reason to give up alcohol if you have diabetes. Although alcohol does have an effect on blood sugar levels, with a few precautions and careful management, you can also enjoy

a drink.

 

Alcohol intake significantly increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).

While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level, sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels.

 

  • Drink alcohol only with food.
  • Drink slowly.
  • Avoid "sugary" mixed drinks, sweet wines, or cordials.
  • Mix liquor with water, club soda, or diet soft drinks.
  • Always wear a medical alert piece of jewellery that says you have diabetes.

Food & Diabetes