NUTRITION
Guide for those affected and
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body produces sugar (glucose) from food can no longer be properly utilized. This causes blood sugar levels to rise.
According to estimates, there are 500.000 to 800.000 people with diabetes – many of them without knowing they have the disease. Here you'll find important information about what's important in terms of food and drink to stay healthy even with diabetes.
There are two main forms: Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not glucose (= dextrose) more is produced. However, the hormone insulin plays a key role in Blood sugar levels-Regulation. This form usually occurs at a young age.
The more common Type 2 diabetes Type 1, on the other hand, usually develops gradually and is therefore often diagnosed late. While type 1 is lifelong Insulin therapy (keyword insulin injection), type 2 depends heavily on lifestyle – diet and exercise have a decisive influence here.
SYMPTOMS AND
RISK FACTORS
Type 2 diabetes, in particular, is often discovered late. Unexplained fatigue, constant thirst, frequent urination, unintentional weight loss, blurred vision, or slow-healing wounds can be signs, but are often attributed to other causes.
Risk factors are mainly overweight (particularly belly fat), too little exercise and a unhealthy diet (high in sugar and lots of white flour). Anyone with a family history of preventive examinations and, if a diagnosis is made, obtain information regarding therapy.
For this purpose, it is recommended to contact a dietician. Facebook groups (Also specifically for type 1) sufferers like to exchange information and share recipes, for example, in order to live a healthy life despite the health restrictions and to make contact with other affected people. German Diabetes Aid also offers its own Newsletterto inform those affected.
CONSEQUENCES OF DIABETES
If left untreated, diabetes can affect the entire body. Persistently elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye disease (even blindness). It can also lead to nerve damage (polyneuropathy), increased susceptibility to infection, and poor wound healing. These changes develop gradually, which is why early diagnosis and good blood sugar control are so important.
WHY BLOOD SUGAR VALUES SUCH AS HBA1C, FASTING BLOOD SUGAR
AND HOMA VALUE ARE IMPORTANT
Conscious sugar management also means keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels. Values such as the HBA1c level, fasting blood sugar, or HOMA level provide information about how well your body can process sugar and how high your risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is. The HBA1c level shows your average blood sugar level over the past few weeks and serves as an important indicator for doctors for long-term blood sugar control. An HBA1c level that is too high can indicate impaired glucose processing—often the result of a high-sugar diet or lack of exercise. Fasting blood sugar also provides important clues. Fasting blood sugar normal values are particularly informative here, as they indicate whether your metabolism is in balance. If the level is regularly above the norm, it can be a warning sign of incipient metabolic problems.
The HOMA value, in turn, helps to evaluate the relationship between blood sugar and insulin and to detect early signs of insulin resistance.
So, if you want to stay healthy in the long term, you should not only pay attention to sugar-free or reduced-sugar products, but also check your blood sugar levels regularly.
FOOD FOR DIABETIC PEOPLE –
WHAT IS IMPORTANT
In general, no food is forbidden. However, a conscious diet and a diet for diabetes help to keep blood sugar stable. This way, you can also Secondary diseases prevent.
People with diabetes benefit from plenty of vegetables, fiber-rich whole grain products, and protein from fish, legumes, or lean meat. Fruit is allowed, but in moderation, as fructose (fructose) also affects blood sugar levels. Any excess weight should be reduced.
Less favorable are highly processed foods, sweet snacks, and convenience foods often contain hidden sugar. White bread and sugary drinks also cause blood sugar to rise quickly.
Light products have latest studies According to researchers, sweeteners also have an effect on insulin. Better are natural and unprocessed foods that do not burden the metabolism and keep you full for longer.
NUTRITION FOR DIABETES
WHAT TO EAT?
Proper nutrition plays a key role. It helps keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent complications.
Recommended foods for diabetics:
- Whole grain products: Oat flakes, whole-grain bread, brown rice
- Vegetables & Salads: large quantities, high in fiber
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Protein sources: Fish, lean meat, eggs, tofu
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, olive oil, rapeseed oil
- Fruit: in moderate amounts, preferably berries
Foods to avoid:
- Sugary drinks: Lemonades, energy drinks, sweetened juices
- White bread & light pasta (Carbohydrates)
- Sweets, cakes & pastries
- Ready-made products & snacks with lots of sugar and trans fats
- Hidden sources of sugar: Fruit yoghurts, muesli bars, ready-made sauces
- Alcohol only enjoy in moderation
DRINKS FOR DIABETIC PEOPLE WHAT TO DRINK WITH DIABETES?
Beverages are especially important to consider critically. Traditional sodas or sweetened fruit juices quickly raise blood sugar.
Water, mineral water, or unsweetened tea are recommended. An attractive alternative is 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE Drinks from Höllinger, which are also suitable for people with diabetes. They contain neither added sugar nor artificial sweeteners and therefore fit well into a balanced diabetic diet.
DRINKS FOR DIABETIC PEOPLE:
LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Drinks play a particularly important role, because after all, every adult around 1,5 liters of liquid per day to take in.
Sugary sodas and classic fruit juices should be avoided if possible, as they can significantly increase blood sugar and lead to obesity.
Light products should also be avoided. Drinking alcohol is not prohibited, but it should enjoyed in moderation Because for the Extraction of 1% alcohol by volume about 17 grams of sugar are needed.
Suitable drinks for diabetics are:
- Water (still or sparkling)
- unsweetened tea
- Mineral water with a dash of lemon or fresh herbs
The 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE Drinks are also suitable for people with diabetes. They contain an infusion of various plants and fruits that is sugar-free, artificial sweeteners-free, and calorie-free. They are a refreshing alternative for people who are conscious about their diet and don't want to sacrifice flavor.
SPORT AND LIFESTYLE:
MOVEMENT AS AN IMPORTANT BUILDING BLOCK
In addition to nutrition, exercise plays a central role. Regular exercise acts like a natural "medicine": it improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and helps maintain weight.
Just 30 minutes of exercise a day – such as cycling, walking or swimming – makes a big difference. Together with a healthy diet, this can reduce the progression and risk of Positively influence type 2 diabetes.
CAN DIABETES BE PREVENTED?
Yes, at least type 2. If you eat a healthy and balanced diet, reduce sugar and processed foods, are regularly active and maintain a healthy body weight, significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Choosing drinks can also be a simple step: Water and sugar-free alternatives help keep blood sugar levels stable.
Particularly important are:
- Increase fiber-rich foods and avoid carbohydrates
- less sugar and convenience foods
- enough exercise
- conscious use of drinks
ENJOY SUGAR-FREE – WITHOUT SWEETENERS
Drinking healthily with diabetes:
Many people with diabetes turn to diet drinks because they lack traditional carbohydrates and contain fewer calories. At first glance, this seems good and suitable for treatment. However, scientific evidence suggests that sweeteners don't always have a neutral effect on the body.
Some studies suggest that regular consumption change appetite, influence the intestinal flora or even increase the risk of obesity. This is not optimal for the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes. Even though sweetener products officially considered safe, their role in a healthy diet remains controversial.
This is precisely why Höllinger consciously relies on a different concept: the 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE DrinksThese contain no added sugar, no sweeteners, and no artificial additives. The result is a drink that's not only delicious but also suitable for everyday drinking.
For the body, this means less stress, no hidden calories, and a natural, fruity taste. Combined with plenty of vegetables and a varied diet, these products are a good addition if you want to healthy lifestyle pay attention
Anyone wondering how many grams of carbohydrates are sensible per day will find answers in nutrition plans or individual recipe ideas. One thing is clear: sugar-free drinks like Höllinger 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE products help those daily calorie balance Keeping the liter consumption low without sacrificing taste makes them suitable for both the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Höllinger offers on its website further information and a newsletter with practical tips (via the pop-up on our Home). If you want personal contact, you will find Contact Person about nutrition, drinking and healthy eating. Also via social media such as Facebook There are regular recipes, information and suggestions for a healthy everyday life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which foods should you avoid if you have diabetes?
Sugary drinks, white flour products, sweets, and highly processed convenience foods. Convenience foods and fried foods often contain trans fats, which can promote insulin resistance.
Do you have to avoid sugar completely?
No, but it should be significantly reduced. Conscious consumption and choosing alternatives without added sugar are important.
Which drinks are recommended?
Water, mineral water, and unsweetened tea are ideal. A fruity alternative for diabetes is sugar-free drinks, such as the Höllinger organic drinks with no added sugar from our product range. 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE.
Can diabetes be prevented?
Yes – through a healthy diet, exercise and weight control, the risk of type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced.
