Diabetes, without proper care and medication, can be a life threatening disease. Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes should make certain they consult with a doctor on the proper way to manage this disease. This management will include a discussion on what activities are allowable, and on the very important issue of a proper diabetic diet.

Diabetes has fast become a widespread illness already affecting millions of Americans. What's to blame for this dramatic increase? Some people blame it on genes, while other's blame it on the fast food diet. One thing for sure, is the unhealthy food intake of people has a dramatic effect contributing to the alarming growth in the number of people with diabetes.

A diabetic must place extra attention on their diet if they want to prevent the disease from getting worse. Diabetes can be managed, however it requires a sizable amount of personal discipline; particularly in terms of diet and way of life. A proper diabetic diet is an important part of any diabetics treatment plan.

The basic diabetic diet guideline is the food pyramid, with additional attention placed on carbohydrate intake. To help stabilize their blood sugar count, a diabetic is also required to eat pretty much the same diet, at more or less the same time, everyday.

So why is maintaining a stable sugar level so important? Every person uses its glucose content to exert energy. Someone who is diabetic is unable to use their glucose because it builds up in their blood. This buildup of blood glucose can lead to excessive sugar levels that may cause other illnesses that affect the kidneys, the heart, and even the persons eyesight.

A proper diabetic diet will also help control insulin levels. Too much insulin can may lead to hypoglycemia, or a state of low blood sugar. This is another undesirable situation which may occur as a result of diabetes, and further emphasizes the importance of proper diet.

A healthy, and well balanced diabetic diet consisting of cereals and vegetables several times a day is ideal for diabetics. While sugar is not totally prohibited, a diabetic should consume only minimal amounts, to satisfy their sweet tooth, no more than twice a week. .

Eating plenty of high-fiber vegetables will help to slow down the absorbtion of glucose from the intestines. Some vegetables with high fiber content are beans and carrots. Carrots, and other crunchy vegetables make a good snack alternative for diabetics.

Most diabetics consider their diets very restrictive. The diabetic diet should be suited to, as much as possible, the individuals lifestyle, likes and dislikes. The proper diet does not have to be so restrictive that long-termed adherence seems almost impossible. The trend now is to create a diabetic diet plan that matches the individuals lifestyle, and offers a realistic chance for the diabetic to remain committed to it long-term.