With diabetes, your body cannot regulate your blood sugar levels properly. That is why it is important that you pay attention to what you eat.

There is sugar in your blood. We also call this glucose. You desperately need this glucose, because the cells in your body use glucose for their energy. The hormone insulin ensures, among other things, that glucose is absorbed into the cells.

If you have diabetes, your body cannot properly regulate the level of blood glucose (sugar) in your blood. This is because you have a deficiency of the hormone insulin or because your body does not respond well to insulin. Your blood sugar level then rises and that can be harmful to your body.

Our body obtains glucose from the carbohydrates in our diet. Carbohydrates are not only found in sweet things, but also in vegetables, milk and products, bread, potatoes, nuts, etc. If you are a diabetic, it is important that you pay close attention to what you eat. What you eat and drink should be well matched to your blood values ​​and medication. It does not mean that you should not eat sugar. 

Types of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), the body breaks down the cells that produce the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but it usually occurs in childhood. People with type 1 diabetes are always administered insulin to control blood glucose levels.

In type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), there is too little insulin in the body or the body has become insensitive to it. Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life, mainly in people who are (severely) overweight. A good weight and sufficient exercise are very important for type 2 diabetes. It is not always necessary to administer extra insulin.

Diabetes and nutrition
Do you have diabetes or hyperglycemia (too high a glucose level)? Then you should always pay close attention to what you eat. A dietitian can help you tailor your diet to your situation. However, if your body needs extra nutrients due to an increased need, such as before and during an operation, or you have diabetes and have had a poor appetite for a long time due to, for example, an additional illness/condition or complication, it may be difficult to consume sufficient nutrients. to get.

Nutricia has a special nutritional drink for these situations. This is a food for medical use and should be used under medical supervision. Your doctor or dietitian can give you advice.