In healthy individuals, the body produces a hormone named insulin. This hormone enables the body to process starchy foods and sugars into the energy the body requires for its normal functioning. In people who suffer from diabetes this hormone is not or in insufficient quantities produced. Therefore Mother Nature must get a helping hand.

Two Types of Diabetes

As stated before the body needs insulin to process certain food substances. There are two possibilities: either the system does not produce enough insulin for the body to use, this is a Type 1 diabetes. Or the system does produce insulin alright but for some reasons the body is unable to use it, this is diabetes type 2.

It is however perfectly possible to live a normal life with both kinds of diabetes. The sort of nutrition a diabetes patient uses is extremely important, since diabetes is a serious condition, which should not be taken lightly. Below you will find some hints about nutrition and lifestyle for diabetes patients.

The Right Food and the Right Exercise

The main purpose in diabetes nutrition is to stay away as much as possible from starchy foods and focus on vegetables and fruits. High fiber content is equally important so better go for the whole grains and brown rice or pasta instead of the white varieties. Fish and lean meats pose the least problems.

Of course as with any medical situation, don't start a diabetes nutrition on your own but first consult with your physician. One person reacts totally different to certain food items than another and your doctor can help you in making the right choices.

Mens sana in corpore sano: the Romans hit it right on the spot with this one as well: a healthy mind in a healthy body. Supplement your healthy diabetes nutrition with some exercises: make it a daily routine if you can. Walking is a great way to stay in shape and does not require a lot of effort. Half an hour a day will do wonders for you. If nothing else it will help in keeping your weight under control: important for a healthy individual but certainly for some one suffering from diabetes.

Some tips:

- Regularly check your blood sugar, that way you can closely monitor your sugar levels and control your diabetes nutrition. If your levels are not regular you know there is something wrong with the way you eat.
- Regular check-ups with the doctor, he or she will check to see if you have the diabetes well under control and if necessary put you on a different type of diabetes nutrition.