More and more people every day are diagnosed with diabetes.
This condition is caused by problems that involve the hormone insulin.
Being a diabetic means that your pancreas either doesn't make insulin or the cells of your body don't respond to this hormone.
Every time you eat some food it gets broken down into a substance called glucose, which get transported to the cells through the bloodstream.
In diabetics, glucose builds up into the blood instead of going into the cells, leading to high blood sugar.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight or obese are the most common causes of this disease.
People who suffer with diabetes have a high risk for stroke and heart disease and that's why it's very important to lower bad LDL cholesterol through limiting the amount of saturated fats such as cheese, butter and fatty meat.
You should also avoid simple carbohydrates and choose complex carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereal and beans.
Also studies have shown that a magnesium supplement can help you improve glucose control and a supplement with vanadium (a substance that derives from plant sources) can increase a person's sensitivity to insulin.
Other foods that can be helpful are: broccoli, peas, sage and brewer's yeast.
Although diabetics are allowed to eat a variety of foods, the total amount of carbohydrates that are consumed every day should be monitored.
You should avoid concentrated sugars like candy and juices and you can use artificial sweeteners such as saccharine (pregnant women should avoid it) and sucrolose.
According to the ADA you can consume 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates with every meal, without running the risk of complications.