Fiber and Diabetes

Fiber and Diabetes

Diet is the cornerstone for the management of all types of diabetes. Appropriate nutrition management improves:

•	glycemic control
•	decreases the frequency of hypoglycemic spells
•	lowers blood pressure
•	improves the serum lipid profile
•	Consequently, the optimal diabetes diet decreases risk for retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

What is the optimal diabetes diet?

We do not have the answer to this question because appropriate long-term clinical trials have not been conducted. Our own research indicates that HCF diets provide many benefits not seen with traditional high fat diabetes diets. Some centers still prescribe traditional high fat diabetes diets, i.e. 40% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 40% fat. Currently, we recommend an HCF diet that is moderate in protein and generous in antioxidants; monounsaturated fats should be the major source of fat incorporated into the diet in cooking, salad dressings, and other ways.

High-fiber, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets improve all aspects of diabetes management.

•	They lower blood glucose levels and decrease insulin or oral agent requirements.
•	They decrease serum cholesterol and triglyceride values.
•	These diets lower blood pressure and assist in weight management.
•	When coupled with an exercise program, these diets have the potential to dramatically improve glycemic control, atherogenic risk, and sense of well-being.

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