Macronutrients in Diabetes

Macronutrients are required in large quantities and constitute a large proportion of our diet; these are

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the principal source of energy, these are oxidized into simpler sugars like glucose to provide energy to the basic unit of the body- the cells. They are also the main culprits in

raising blood glucose levels- both the quantity and type of carbohydrates need to be regulated in diabetics. Examples:- Fruits, vegetables, sugar, jaggery, honey, pulses, cereals, nuts, milk etc.

Proteins

Proteins form the building blocks, form cells, enzymes, secretions, hormones and also provide energy, excess of proteins may lead to high blood glucose as well, protein intake need to be restricted in renal complications of diabetes. Examples:-Meat, Milk and its products, pulses, eggs, legumes like soya bean, fish etc

Fats

Highly concentrated forms of energy, more than double that of carbohydrates, besides giving energy they also lubricate the internal organs, form linings and padding for them, required for the transport of fat soluble vitamins, vit K, vit E etc, both fats and proteins are converted to glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis in liver.  Examples:-Oils, Nuts, Fat, Lard, Butter, Clarified butter ( Ghee) meat, fish, seeds