Diabetes is a chronic and long-lasting disease that can severely affect your health. The severity depends on how your body turns food into energy. Food is often broken down into sugar, also known as glucose, before being released into your bloodstream. If your blood sugar rises, your pancreas will release insulin. In turn, your body’s cells will use the blood sugar as energy.
However, if you have type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, your body may not make enough insulin or be able to use the insulin efficiently. Impaired insulin function or high blood sugar levels can cause cells to stop responding. If this isn’t managed, it can become increasingly dangerous over time and result in health problems, such as heart and kidney disease. Furthermore, it can permanently damage parts of the body, causing blindness or loss of feeling in the limbs.
Although there’s no specific cure as of yet, diabetes management can be eased by eating healthy food, losing weight and staying active. Your diet and lifestyle play a huge part in keeping you happy and healthy.
Benefits of a Mediterranean diet
A Mediterranean diet can work wonders in terms of preventing, delaying or helping in the fight against diabetes. It’s been ranked as the top diet worldwide for diabetes management, enhancing glycemic control and insulin sensitivity for those with type 2 diabetes.Â
Traditional Mediterranean foods consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seafood and olive oil, along with moderate amounts of healthy fats and red wine. Most of these are rich in fibre which maintains slow digestion and healthy weight. Eating regularly and at similar times every day will certainly prevent huge swings in blood sugar.
The success of the Mediterranean diet also relies heavily on lifestyle. Daily physical activity and sharing meals with family and friends positively relieves stress and improves your mood and mental health.Â
Opting for a Mediterranean diet for diabetes management has endless benefits; it can increase agility and longevity, halve the risk of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, and protect against type 2 diabetes. With balanced nutrition and exercise, make conscious changes today!
Find out how Basiligo can make your life easier with our Mediterranean meal plan here.