Accepting diabetes

Over 50 million people world-wide suffer from diabetes. The diagnosis usually requires a change in the patient's lifestyle - above all, healthy nutrition takes centre stage. To be sure the patient can abide by it, this lifelong 'diet' should be tailored to suit the personal preferences, circumstances and needs of people with diabetes. The feeling that the food is different or less enjoyable than that of people without diabetes should never arise in the first place, for, in reality, nutrition of people with diabetes follows the rules of a modern, balanced diet and is good for everyone.

How to recognise diabetes

The two main symptoms of untreated diabetes are severe frequency of urination and excessive thirst. Should the blood sugar rise above a certain level, the kidneys begin to excrete sugar in the urine. To dissolve the sugar, large quantities of water are taken from the body - hence the raging thirst. Further signs of a lack of insulin are an unexplained weight loss - with no loss of appetite - and extreme tiredness coupled with a decrease in physical ability.

Nutrition tips

Eat your way back to health

Eat mainly complex carbohydrates, such as wholemeal products, potatoes, fruit and vegetables

Divide carbohydrate foods over several small meals a day

Eat less fat - a maximum of 30% of the total calorie count

Drink lots of fluids, but only the sugar-free kind, such as mineral water or 'light/ diet' drinks. Sweeten coffee and tea with sweeteners. Count the calories in fruit juice

Use calorie-free sweeteners in place of sugar

Drink alcohol in moderation. Do not drink mixers, aperitifs or liqueurs that contain sugar. Treat yourself to a nutrition consultation and have a diet plan drawn up that is tailored to your individual needs and your favourite foods