What my Body Needs to prevent Diabetes Complications
Useful hints to help the management of diabetes
- Eat balanced diet
- Engage in regular physical exercise like walking for about 15 minutes daily, swimming, cycling, domestic chores at home, jogging, using stairs instead of lifts, etc
- Comply with treatment plan
Please note that physical exercise should not cause you pain. Do as much as your body can take. Discuss any concerns with the right professional.
For your balanced diet
- eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day
- eat moderate portions of food regularly
- choose low fat foods
- choose low fat cooking methods like grilling, baking, poaching, steaming etc
- rapeseed or olive oil are known to be good, but they must be used sparingly
- bulk up meals with beans and pulses
- use sugar sparingly, if you have to use it at all
- maintain appropriate weight for you height (seek professional advice)
Alcohol intake
For alcohol intake, the daily recommendation is:
- 3 units for men
- 2 units for women
One unit is ½ pint of ordinary strength beer, larger or cider
1 glass of wine (125mls), 1 pub-measure of spirits is 25mls
Foods to be careful with
- Chips
- Processed meat
- Cakes and biscuits
- Cheese
- Dairy products
- Crisps and snacks
- Pastry
High fibre foods are healthier for many people