It’s incredibly important for diabetics to ensure they eat a healthy, balanced diet, which can actually be a big part of managing diabetes, as well as many other health problems, such as cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease.
There are different types of diabetes, and each has different nutritional needs. For example, people with type II diabetes have extremely high blood sugar levels that often fluctuate and need to be regulated. This can be done with insulin shots, but in some cases a very well planned healthy diet may be all the patient needs to keep their sugars regulated. According to the American Diabetes Association, as well as the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, a healthy diet should consist of 35% protein, 50% carbohydrates (not the simple 3 that are easily digested), and 15% fat.
Well, in the case of some diabetics, they may need to consume even more protein, sometimes as much as 30 or 40% of their daily caloric intake. But if a diabetic or anyone else is on a high-protein diet, it’s important to make sure they’re eating the right types of high-protein foods to ensure they don’t gain weight, which can actually serve the purpose of eating healthy to treat defeat diabetes. Some of the best high-protein foods are lean meats, oily fish, turkey or chicken breasts, soybeans, nuts, milk and dairy products, and whole grains, to name a few (be careful with red meat as it can lower insulin resistance). As you can see, this type of diet does not have to be tasteless or boring. High-protein diets have been shown to be helpful in managing diabetes, and the September 2004 Diabetes Magazine reported that high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets can not only help regulate blood sugar levels, they can actually help lower them.
The right proteins for diabetic diets
Many people think that being diagnosed with diabetes means eating a boring and bland diet for the rest of their lives. This is absolutely wrong. While it’s important to monitor everything you eat when you have type II diabetes, there are still many delicious foods to include in your diet. And it’s important to have snacks between meals, contrary to popular belief. Some great diabetic snacks that are really tasty are unsalted nuts like peanuts and almonds. Beans are great, so enjoy any type of bean as they are absolutely high in protein. One thing to avoid is processed foods as they are often overloaded with salt and contain saturated and trans fats which are not good for anyone let alone diabetics. Foods you should be eating to get the right amount of protein and other nutrients in your diet include milk and milk products, eggs, whole grains, peas, and all kinds of other delicious foods. If you are unsure about what foods are best for you on a diabetic diet, consult your doctor, dietician or nutritionist.
diabetics and protein supplements
To get the protein they need in their diet, many diabetics turn to protein supplements, which can be used not only as tasty snacks but as true meal replacements (although this isn’t typically recommended as a regular thing). Protein supplements are a great way to get an extra boost of energy during the day. Well, many diabetics worry about gaining weight from using protein supplements, but there are all kinds of diet-friendly protein supplements that taste really good and are also fortified with other important vitamins and nutrients. With these supplements, you’re getting the protein without all the fat, calories, and carbs.
Popular types of protein supplements
There are a number of different types of protein supplements that you may want to try. All of these supplements are easy to use and they are also portable so you can take them with you wherever you go. Some of the most popular types of protein supplements are liquid protein supplements, protein powder, and liquid protein shots.
Liquid Protein Supplements – There are liquid proteins that are already pre-mixed and ready to drink. Or you might want to get a different type of liquid supplement that you mix into drinks yourself. That way you can be sure you’re getting the flavors you love.
Protein Powders – If you’re looking for an incredibly versatile protein supplement, powders may be the way to go. There are unflavored protein powders that can be added to any of your favorite recipes to give them an extra protein boost. And there are flavored protein powders that can be used to make delicious shakes and smoothies. Some of the flavors you will find are chocolate, vanilla, berries and fruit punch.
Liquid Protein Shots – This is a great way to get your protein on the go. Liquid protein shots are becoming increasingly popular
Types of proteins used in dietary supplements
There are a number of sources of protein supplements. Some of these sources are:
Whey – This is one of the most popular proteins used in supplements as it is digested quickly and easily. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Because it’s a milk derivative, whey may not be the best type of protein supplement for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk and dairy products.
Casein – Here’s another milk derivative, and actually, casein is where whey comes from in the first place. Casein is digested more slowly than whey, and many people combine whey and casein to get the full benefits of both types of protein. Casein can be used by some people with lactose intolerance.
Soy – Soy is another complete protein and is ideal for vegetarians as it is plant-based. It’s also great for those who are lactose intolerant.
Rice – This is another complete protein and is ideal for everyone as it is hypoallergenic and plant-based. It has very little flavor, so it’s very popular for use in recipes.
Egg – This is one of the earliest types of protein supplements and is still widely used. If you’re allergic to eggs or poultry, you should stick to one of the other types of protein supplements.
Thanks to Jim Duffy
