Diet Plan for NIDDM

Diet Plan for NIDDM: NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is also known as type II diabetes mellitus. In type II diabetes the pancreatic cells (beta cells of Langerhans) which secrete insulin are not decreased significantly (generally more than 70% of cells are intact against less than 30% in type I diabetes). The defect is insulin resistance or lower responsiveness to insulin.

The oral hypoglycemic drugs which are used for the treatment of type II diabetes generally act by increasing the sensitivity to insulin, so that the insulin which is produced normally can do its work.

The genetic predisposition is more common in NIDDM or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in comparison to type-1 diabetes or IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Genetics plays a bigger role in the causation of NIDDM.

The main aim of a diet for diabetics is to reduce carbohydrate (especially simple sugars) consumption. By limiting carbohydrate consumption it is possible to control blood sugar levels to a great extent.

The following diet plan can be used by diabetes patients who are suffering from type II diabetes:

Early morning:

A diabetic patient should take only tea in the early morning. The tea should be preferably without sugar. Sweeteners without any carbohydrates or calories can be used instead of sugar. There are many herbal sweetener preparations available in the market.

Breakfast:

The breakfast of a diabetic should consist of porridge without sugar (which can be taken with salt), bread toast, fruits with high fiber content (e.g. guava, pears, apple, etc.), and tea without sugar.

Lunch:

The lunch should consist of food items prepared from whole wheat flour, whole grain cereals (rice should be taken in a limited quantity because rice is high glycemic food), grams, a limited quantity of fish or meat (white meat), mixed vegetables or more than one type of vegetables, curd, salad, etc.

Evening tea:

This should be with salty biscuits and tea without sugar.

Dinner:

It should be with soup (vegetable, chicken, or tomato soup), food items prepared from whole grain cereals, vegetables, grams, salad, etc.

Important points to remember while preparing a diet plan for NIDDM:

The most important point while preparing a diet plan for diabetes is to have small and frequent meals instead of large meals. Several meals should be taken daily instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
Taking complex carbohydrates is important instead of taking simple sugars like glucose.