Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels affecting millions of people globally. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are roughly 4,000,000 Filipino adults affected by diabetes. This condition is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates our blood sugar (glucose), or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Ilan sa mga sintomas nito ay ang pagkauhaw, mas madalas na pag-ihi, panlalabo ng paningin, at pagkapagod. Diabetes also increases the risk of other health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (o diabetes na dulot ng pagbubuntis).
Sa type 1 diabetes, inaatake ng immune system ang mga cells na gumagawa ng insulin sa pancreas. This type of diabetes usually affects children, and it is hereditary. Tinatayang nasa 5-10% ng mga kaso ng diabetes ang type 1. Patients with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Sa madaling salita, hindi nagagamit nang wasto ng ating katawan ang insulin. This type of diabetes usually develops in adulthood, but it is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals due to lifestyle factors katulad ng physical activities at diet. Maliban dito, risk factors din ng type 2 diabetes ang genetics, paninigarilyo, pagiging obese, pagkakaroon ng hypertension, at stress.
Ang gestational diabetes naman ay isang uri ng diabetes na nakakaapekto sa mga nagbubuntis. It affects women who have never had diabetes before becoming pregnant. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of the mother and child developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
While diabetes treatments differ depending on the type, there are several common approaches in managing diabetes such as engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet. A well-structured diabetic meal plan is an essential tool for those with type 2 and gestational diabetes. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa meal plan, mas makokontrol ang blood sugar level ng isang pasyente.
In general, people with diabetes should focus on a balanced diet that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Their diet should include complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes, starchy vegetables), fiber-rich foods, lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, oil). Dapat namang iwasan ang mga sugary at processed foods dahil mataas ang kanilang unhealthy fats and sugar content. Mahalagang bahagi rin ng diabetic diet ang pagkain sa tamang oras, at ang pag-control sa portion ng pagkain. Para naman sa expecting mothers with gestational diabetes, hindi lamang blood sugar control ang priority ng kanilang diet, kung hindi pati na rin ang essential nutrients na kailangan ng kanilang baby.
There are two common methods used to make a simple diabetic meal plan: the plate method and carbohydrate counting. The plate method is utilized to control portion sizes. This method divides a 9-inch plate into three sections. Half of the plate should be non-starchy vegetables such as salad, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots; one-fourth should be lean protein such as chicken, beans, tofu, or eggs; and the remaining one-fourth should be grains and starchy vegetables such as rice, peas, and potatoes.
Sa carbohydrate counting naman, binibilang ang carbohydrate intake sa isang araw. Kailangang limitahan ang carbohydrate intake ng diabetic patients dahil nagiging glucose ang carbohydrates sa loob ng ating katawan, at lubos itong nakakaapekto sa ating blood sugar level. Nonetheless, not all diabetic patients need to strictly measure their carbohydrate intake. Thus, this method is mainly used by diabetic patients who take insulin.
Below are sample meal plans for people with type 2 and gestational diabetes from credible sources.
Type 2 Diabetes Meal Plan Sample
Breakfast: 2 slices French toast made from whole wheat bread with sugar-free maple syrup
Snacks: ½ banana
Lunch: Large green salad with grilled chicken breast, 1 cup skim milk & 1 fruit
Snacks: Tomato with tuna salad
Dinner: 3 oz pan-seared trout, 1 cup stir-fried vegetables & ⅔ cup brown rice
Diabetic Pregnancy Meal Plan Sample
Breakfast: 1 slice whole-grain toast with egg
Snacks: 5 pieces of baby carrots
Lunch: Mushroom soup with chicken breast & bread
Snacks: 15 grams of plain yogurt with 1 cup of raspberries
Dinner: Beef stew with beans or lentils & sweet potato
It is important to note that these are only general sample diabetic meal plans. It is better to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that takes your needs, dietary restrictions, preferences, and budget into account.
While maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is helpful in diabetes management, medications are equally important. Diabetes is a complex condition, kung kaya’t kailangan ng mga pasyente ng todo aruga to improve the quality of their lives. Hatid ng MedChoice ang todo aruga through our selection of diabetes medications. MedChoice offers Gliclazide Modified Release Tablet (ZELTINE-MR®), Glimepiride (SOLADIN®), Glipizide (GLIPDIN®), Metformin HCl (GLUDIN®), Phospholipids + Multivitamins (PHOSMAX®), at Sitagliptin (GLIPTADIN®). For more information, visit our Diabetes Products page.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute professional expertise. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Bunag, Lorraine. (2021). Meal and Snack Ideas for Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://hellodoctor.com.ph/pregnancy/mother-care/meal-and-snack-ideas-for-gestational-diabetes/.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Diabetes. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Diabetes Meal Planning. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html.
Gregor, Wendy. (n.d.). 7-Day Diabetic Meal Plan. Sutter Health. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.sutterhealth.org/pdf/incentive-content/diabetic-meal-plan.pdf.
International Diabetes Federation. (n.d.). The Philippines. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://idf.org/our-network/regions-and-members/western-pacific/members/the-philippines/.
MedlinePlus. (2021). Gestational diabetes diet. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007430.htm.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity.
Nichols, Hannah. (2023). What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7504.
World Health Organization. (2023). Diabetes. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes.