Healthy recipes for diabetics

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EVERY year, World Diabetes Day falls on Nov 14. Diabetes is a condition that has affected over millions worldwide. In 2015, statistics showed that about 415 million people in the world have diabetes, with 3.3 million cases in Malaysia.

While most of us are familiar with the general term ‘diabetes,’ there are actually three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. This is often the result of the immune system destroying the cells that produce insulin because they are mistaken as foreign cells.

Till today, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that it’s linked to genetics. Type 1 diabetes is managed through insulin therapy, but it’s also important to remember to exercise to keep fit.

2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use the insulin produced by the pancreas properly. It is the most common form of diabetes.

There are many causes for type 2 diabetes, among which are diet and lifestyle. The condition is treated through taking medications and/or insulin therapy.

3. Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. In most cases, it’s a temporary condition where the body is unable to produce enough insulin during pregnancy.

Once a person has been diagnosed with diabetes, changes are necessary. Diabetics are often advised to eat healthier foods, decrease or avoid certain types of food, and to exercise.

Key things to remember:

1. Limit your sugar intake. You don’t have to completely cut out sugar – you just need to control the amount you take.
2. Avoid eating too much processed meat like hot dogs and nuggets.
3. Avoid trans fat, so that means no donuts, cookies and crackers!
4. In addition to eating healthy, set aside some time to exercise. A healthy lifestyle is also key in managing diabetes.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of healthy dishes. Give these dishes a try to expand your list of healthy diabetes-friendly recipes.
Meat:

1. Fragrant Stewed Chicken