The South Beach Diet and Diabetes – Stabilize Your Blood Sugar Levels
What should you know about the South Beach Diet and diabetes? There has been much discussion on this diet and the effect it could have on diabetes patients. Dr. Elizabeth Mayer-Davis even questioned the diet’s safety and effectiveness, citing problems with the South Beach Diet’s glycemic index. This is a low-carb diet (though its makers insist it’s more of a good fat, good carb diet by definition.)
South Beach Diet and Diabetes Planning
In actuality, the plan was created for diabetes patients and pre-diabetic patients. However, Dr. Agatston (the creator of the diet) soon discovered that all of his patients were reporting phenomenal weight loss. When explaining the South Beach Diet, the doctor goes into detail regarding blood glucose spikes and why bad carbs are bad for diabetes patients.
Let’s consider the basics of the South Beach Diet and diabetes. Whenever one eats sugar, the sugar enters the blood stream. The pancreas then secretes insulin. This in turn makes cells absorb the insulin. If a person consistently induces quick bursts of sugar it will cause cells to become insulin-resistant. This is the condition that leaves sugar in the bloodstream for an excessive period of time. In reaction to this, the pancreas releases more insulin, and this is what causes blood sugar levels to drop below normal. Not only can this condition cause diabetes, but it also produces inordinate cycles of hunger. This only leads to more intake of sugar.
The Relationship between the South Beach Diet and Diabetes
When you have type 2 diabetes or are in a pre-diabetes state, then losing weight is essential to your life. The South Beach Diet does help you lose weight. Phase 1 of this diet lets users lose massive weight in just two weeks; some users report losing well over eight pounds just from eliminating all sugars and fruits. Losing weight can also help pre-diabetes patients avoid developing a condition. The most important element is the South Beach diet glycemic index, which categorizes food for the benefit of patients trying to lower their blood sugar levels. In addition to stabilizing sugar levels, the diet is also low in saturated fat, and this can help ward off heart problems.
It is best to consult your doctor before you proceed with any changes. This is all the more important if you are living with diabetes. When you are on the South Beach Diet you will be eating mostly low-glycemic foods. These foods are known to have minimal effect on insulin levels. It is important that you monitor the results closely and inform your doctor of progress made. You must tell your doctor how the diet is affecting your insulin levels so as to avoid any unhealthy reactions.
Remember also that when you are a diabetes patient, or in a pre-diabetes stage, you must get moderate exercise. Both the South Beach Diet and diabetes requires that you exercise regularly. Luckily, many food delivery services will custom create your diet for you, based on the specific type of diabetes that you have. Within the South Beach Diet plan (and various books on the subject) you also have over 1,000 diabetic-friendly recipes. You can improve your general health using such a low carb diet.
How Does the South Beach Diet Work? A Plan for Long-Term Results
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