A balanced diet protects against diabetes

Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer shows how the risk of type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced

In diabetes, sugar metabolism no longer functions properly and numerous health problems and complications can arise. A balanced and healthy diet - in combination with physical activity - is the key to successful treatment.

Ways to a good quality of life
Diabetes mellitus, also known colloquially as "sugar", is still one of the greatest challenges facing modern medicine. While the hereditary type 1 often develops in childhood or adolescence and is considered incurable, type 2 diabetes is a global and now epidemic disease that affects people of all ages. A healthy lifestyle, characterized by plenty of exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding nicotine, can have a positive effect on sugar metabolism.
Even small changes in lifestyle can have a big impact: "If you pay attention to your diet, avoid recreational drugs, be physically active and reduce stress, you have a good chance of getting diabetes under control!" recommends Dr. Eberhard Wormer in his compact guide. In addition to the basics of the different types of diabetes, diagnostic tests and acute or chronic complications, it also shows ways to achieve a good quality of life, which is an essential part of the holistic treatment of diabetes.

Reduce risk factors
Obesity is one of the main risk factors for diabetes. Patients at risk and diabetics should therefore include mainly plant-based foods in their diet - preferably organic. This is because it offers plenty of nutrients and contains a lot of fiber, which has a positive effect on cholesterol levels and impaired sugar and fat metabolism. It also optimizes the effect of insulin in some organ systems.
Since there is a connection between diabetes and chronic vitamin C deficiency in tissues and blood, regular and sufficient vitamin C supply is highly recommended in diabetes therapy. Vitamin D deficiency is also considered an important risk factor for the development of type 1 and 2 diabetes. It also impairs quality of life, is the cause of numerous non-specific complaints and increases the risk of other diseases. A good vitamin D status reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes, helps control type 2 diabetes and has an overall positive effect on sugar metabolism.

Eating right and healthily
“Eating right” is an important part of therapy for type 2 diabetics, can prevent secondary diseases and also help you lose excess weight. Type 1 diabetics also benefit from a balanced diet. It increases general well-being, but cannot eliminate the disease. In the so-called LOGI diet (from English “Low Glycemic and Insulinemic” = low blood sugar levels and low insulin levels), foods are combined in such a way that a lot of fiber, vitamins, minerals and secondary plant protective substances are consumed. The main aim is to consume fewer carbohydrates.
Type 1 diabetics must not skip a meal, should eat snacks and must always keep an eye on the carbohydrate content of their food in order to adjust the insulin dose accordingly - the same applies to type 2 diabetes patients who inject insulin. In contrast to type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics are often overweight and should try to reduce their weight through a healthy diet and exercise. Regular exercise not only promotes health and fitness, but also lowers blood sugar levels. For this reason, sufficient exercise should be integrated into everyday life.

Book tip:
Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer: Diabetes. Compact guide (symptoms and causes, testing procedures and therapies, effective self-help measures). Mankau Verlag, 1st edition April 2017, paperback, 11.5 x 16.5cm, color, 127 pages, 8.99 euros (D) / 9.20 euros (A) ISBN 978-3-86374-383-3.

Link recommendations:
More information about the "Diabetes" guide
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer
To the Internet forum with Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer