Abstract: . . .  carbohydrate, such as that found in whole-grain foods, is absorbed more slowly. This prevents rapid rises in blood glucose levels, which is particularly important for people with diabetes . Alcoholic Drinks Advice on alcoholic drinks is the same as for the general population (up to 3 units a day for women and up to 4 for men). Alcohol can have both hypo- and hyperglycaemic effects, depending on the amount consumed, the type of drink and whether it is consumed with a meal. In studies in people with diabetes , alcohol had no acute effect on blood glucose or insulin levels, indicating that such beverages should be regarded as additional items rather than substitutions for foods. Epidemiological studies in non-diabetic subjects suggest that light-to-moderate intake is associated with increased insulin sensitivity and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes , coronary heart disease and stroke, but chronic excess intakes (>30-60g/day) increase blood pressure in men and women. The cardioprotective effects of alcohol do not appear to be associated with a particular type of alcoholic beverage, despite the fashion to advocate red wine. IN SUMMARY: Recommendations for diabetes treatment and prevention 1. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI 20-25kg/m²) 2. Keep physically active 3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 4. Eat more starchy foods, like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and breakfast cereals. 5. Choose high fibre, wholemeal products. 6. Eat more fruits and vegetables, aim for at least 5 portions a day. 7. Eat fewer fatty and sugar-containing foods, e.g. chips, sweets or pastries. 8. Choose lean meat, poultry, fish, beans and alternatives, instead of fatty meat or meat products. 9. Choose low-fat dairy foods, like skimmed or semi-skimmed milk or low-fat yoghurt. 10. Use vegetable oil in cooking but only in small amounts. 11. Choose products lower in salt and use less salt in cooking . © British Nutrition Foundation 2004  . . .
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