What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism of food resulting in high blood sugar levels. Sugar, or glucose, is the body's fuel. Like a car that won't run without gas, your body won't run without glucose. But before glucose can be used, insulin, produced in the pancreas, is needed.

There are two types of diabetes. Type I Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Type II Diabetes occurs when insulin cannot be used by the body's cells. This is referred to as "insulin resistance."

What causes Type II Diabetes?
The primary cause of Type II Diabetes is obesity. Too much body fat causes cells to become resistant to insulin, therefore, glucose cannot be transported inside the cell.

What happens when blood sugar levels get too high?
Sugar, the breakdown product of carbohydrate, comes primarily from the food we eat. Once broken down, sugar travels to the blood stream and attaches to insulin which transports it across the cell wall. It is here, inside the cell, where sugar is metabolized into energy. If insulin is not available or if the cells have become insulin resistant, sugar cannot get into the cell and instead builds up in the blood. Several processes begin to happen at this point:

• In an effort to normalize the body's sugar level, the kidneys begin pulling excess sugar from the blood - with it comes fluid. This process causes frequent urination, thirst, and eventually dehydration.
  
• In an attempt to provide an alternative source of energy to be used instead of glucose, the liver begins making ketones through a process called ketosis. However, ketones are composed of fatty substances that don't provide the same energy level as glucose, therefore, symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and lethargy will result.
  
• In severe cases, when blood sugars get too high, diabetic coma and death can occur.

How is diabetes treated?
In both Type I and Type II Diabetes, your physician may prescribe oral medication or insulin injections. If you have Type II Diabetes, weight loss to achieve ideal body weight can bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Even small amounts of weight loss, as little as 10 pounds, can promote a helpful decrease in blood sugars.

What kind of food should I eat if I have diabetes?
A diet high in complex carbohydrates (starch), moderate in protein, and low in fat is appropriate for both types of diabetes. Eat plenty of vegetables and grains complemented with fresh fruit. Avoid foods made with table sugar and high fat foods that cause additional weight gain. Use artificial sweeteners like Nutrasweet, Equal, Saccharin, or Stevia. Drink diet sodas instead of sugared soft drinks. A small amount of fructose is Ok because it doesn't cause a severe rise in blood sugar, however, it may cause elevated levels of blood lipids and cholesterol. Gum and candy sweetened with Sorbitol and Xylitol are also acceptable when consumed in small amounts.

"But I can't eat carbohydrates because it makes my blood sugars go up!"
Not true! You need sugar in your blood to survive. The goal of diabetes treatment is not to get rid of sugar in your blood - the goal is to control blood sugars and promote normal blood sugar levels.

There are two kinds of carbohydrates - Simple and Complex.

• Simple carbohydrates are foods made with table sugar, honey, and molasses, like candy, cakes, and pies. These foods should be avoided because they will cause a rapid rise in blood sugars. They are also high in fat and calories which promotes further weight gain.
  
• Complex carbohydrates are found in plant foods like fruit, vegetables and grain products. These foods trigger a slow release of sugar into the blood and will help keep blood sugar levels normal. Complex carbohydrates are low calorie, healthy foods that promote weight loss. Once you begin to lose body fat, your blood sugars will normalize. A diet high in protein (meat, cheese, and eggs) should be avoided because these foods are high in fat and will promote further weight gain.

"I've heard it's Ok to eat some sugared snack foods if I have diabetes?"
Table sugar is a simple carbohydrate, named so because it's molecules consist of a simple structure that breaks apart easily. It's this rapid breakdown that causes a quick release of glucose into the blood and those "high" and "low" feelings associated with changes in your mood. If you're taking oral medications or insulin, you'll want to keep your blood sugars on an even level during the day. Small amounts of sugared foods are acceptable if eaten with or after a meal, but should never be eaten on an empty stomach. If you are a "fragile" diabetic, avoid sugared foods. If in doubt about whether or not to consume sugared foods, consult with your doctor or nutritionist.

How many meals a day should I eat if I have diabetes?
With both types of diabetes, you should eat three small balanced meals a day with two or three between-meal snacks, especially if you're taking insulin or oral medication. Eating small amounts throughout the day will allow for a more even and constant flow of sugar into the blood.

What's the most important thing to know about Type II Diabetes?
The most important thing to know if you have Type II Diabetes is that losing weight can correct this disease! So, if you have diabetes because you're overweight, get started today on the CarboH 14 Day Lifetime Diet Plan!

Note: If you're taking insulin injections or oral diabetic medication, be sure to notify your physician before beginning a weight loss diet. A small amount of weight loss can be significant enough to lower blood sugar levels and require adjustment of medication.

For more information on diabetes, call the American Diabetes Association at 800-342-2383 or visit their web site at www.diabetes.org.

NUtritionTipS
-Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. This condition is usually temporary and goes away after delivery.

-If you have diabetes, beware that alcohol lowers blood sugars. When alcohol is ingested along with insulin or oral diabetic medication, blood sugars can drop to a low level and cause insulin shock.

-Diabetes causes other diseases like gout, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke (CVD), and gangrene of toes and feet.

-You can't lose fat by eating fat! Did you know that the fat you eat is not used for energy? Instead, it's metabolized directly back to body fat stores?

-The terms "glucose" and "sugar" are used synonomously. Glucose is a type of sugar found in the blood. Glucose is never found in food.

Where do you get your nutrition information? Most states now have licensure laws for Dietitians and Nutritionists. Be sure your nutrition advisor is "Licensed" by the State as a Licensed Dietitian (LD) or Licensed Nutritionist (LN), or in states that don't have licensure laws, a Registered Dietitian.

CarboH, Inc.
Barbara Herondorf, L.D.

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