The goal of any diabetic is to bring their blood sugar levels into the normal range, which is between 4-6mmol/l (millimoles per litre - the world standard unit for measuring glucose in blood). Various studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown that the level of blood sugar control can predict the onset and severity of diabetes-related complications for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, and you keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, you can live a normal life with few or no complications at all*.
There are many ways that a patient can try and achieve good blood sugar control. These include eating healthily, increasing physical activity, having regular blood sugar checks and visiting your doctor regularly for medical advice and medical checks*. Diabetics are generally advised to eat three small meals and three snacks everyday.
"Each meal or snack is an opportunity to provide the body with important nutrients that can promote health, enhance blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications. The problem is that many diabetics lead busy, complicated lifestyles, which limits healthy food choices and the preparation of healthy meals," explains registered dietician, Anne Till.
One new and convenient option for diabetics, or in fact, any health-conscious person wanting to keep their blood sugar levels steadier between meals, is to consider a convenient meal replacement. Diabetic Plus, a shake formulated to be a meal replacement, is low in GI, low in calories and formulated to help reduce poor food choices and improve portion control**.
Diabetic Plus is claimed to contain the correct combination of ingredients to achieve better blood sugar control, which the company says takes the guesswork and effort out of having to plan every snack or small meal. The variety of natural ingredients contained in Diabetic Plus may also enhance weight loss, increase satiety, lower bad cholesterol, maintain the health of the digestive tract and support the immune system. Diabetic Plus also contains Sucralose and Xylitol as sweeteners instead of sugar, which reduces the calorie content and improves glucose response after the meal replacement**.
In the short run, controlled blood sugar will allow diabetics to feel better, stay healthy, have more energy and prevent the symptoms associated with high blood sugar, such as thirst, tiredness, loss of weight and blurred vision. In the long term, tightly managed blood sugar levels will lower the chances of developing eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease*.
Anne Till suggests using the shake (available in a variety of flavours) as a mid-morning, mid-afternoon or evening snack by blending with cold water. It can also be used to make a fruit smoothie by combining the required amount of meal replacement (35g) with a portion of fruit, or using the café latte flavoured Diabetic Plus with crushed ice to make a freezachino".
The product carries a GI (Glycaemic Index) Foundation endorsement. For more information go to www.diabeticplus.co.za.
*Diabetes Plus leaflet
**Glucose Control - Benefits. Life Clinic (www.lifeclinic.com/focus/diabetes/benefits.asp). Website accessed on 31 August 2010
Diabetes Facts - World Diabetes Foundation (www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org/composite-35.htm). Website accessed on 31 August 2010
