The Glycemic Index: Preventing Diabetes Through Diet
For those who are prone to diabetes, a change in diet is the best way to prevent or slow its onset. That means the consumption of carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index so that less sugar is being stored in the bloodstream. This, of course, will not help those who already have diabetes, though it will certainly help keep the blood sugar level under reasonable control – that does not mean you will be able to stop taking your medication, as that is something that is contingent upon your personal case history and your doctor’s recommendations.
Aside from those who have diabetes in their families, another risk factor is a woman who develops diabetes during pregnancy. Even if no one in your family has ever had the disease, if you develop it during pregnancy, chances are higher than normal that you will develop it later in life. The transition to a healthier way of eating and a switch to low glycemic index carbohydrates can either prevent or delay the onset. After all, you will be gaining more energy and losing sugar from your bloodstream, so it is reasonable to assume that diabetes will be delayed and even prevented.
If you already have diabetes and are on medication for it, the switch to low glycemic index carbohydrates may alleviate some of your symptoms and keep your blood sugar level under better control. This is especially helpful for those who have found it difficult to keep it under control with medication and diet – perhaps you are eating foods that are actually turning to sugar in the bloodstream, which is what happens with carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index. Reducing the amount of high glycemic index carbohydrates will definitely make a difference in your blood sugar level and help alleviate some of the symptoms that are connected to your diabetes.