What is it?

It is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond normally to it, causing blood glucose levels to be abnormally high.
Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (formerly known as insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset diabetes) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily insulin administration.
Symptoms include excessive urination (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These symptoms can occur suddenly.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes) is the result of the body's ineffective use of insulin.

People with type 2 diabetes usually have no symptoms at first. They may not have symptoms for many years. Early symptoms of diabetes caused by high blood sugar may include:
Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly.
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Blurred vision

"Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food"
Hippocrates.

Diet for Diabetes Mellitus.

Nutrition in diabetic patients is one of the fundamental pillars for disease control; a healthy diet, complemented by pharmacological treatment (oral antidiabetics and/or insulin depending on the type of patient) and adequate lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking or engaging in physical activity, help us control blood glucose and prevent or slow down the progression of diabetes-associated complications.

The key in diabetes is to consume a variety of healthy foods from all groups, in the amounts established in your meal plan.

Food groups are:

Vegetables

• Non-starchy: include broccoli, carrots, leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes.
• Starchy: includes potatoes, corn, and peas.
• Fruits – includes oranges, melons, strawberries, apples, bananas, and grapes.
• Grains – at least half of the daily grains should be whole grains.
• Includes wheat, rice, oats, corn, barley, and quinoa, bread, pasta, cereals, and tortillas.

Proteins

• Lean meat (low fat).
• Chicken or turkey without skin.
• Fish.
• Eggs.
• Nuts and peanuts.
• Dried beans and other legumes such as chickpeas and split peas.
• Meat substitutes, such as tofu.
• Skim or low-fat dairy.
• Milk or lactose-free milk if you have lactose intolerance.
• Yogurt.
• Cheese.

The goals of the diabetes diet are:
Achieve blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, always individualizing the blood glucose targets according to the patient's characteristics.
Maintain an ideal weight or as close to it as possible.
Achieve optimal blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Prevent and treat complications and comorbidities associated with diabetes (obesity, dyslipidemia, nephropathy).
Adapt it to the patient's preferences and maintain the pleasure of eating.

How much can I eat if I have diabetes?
Eating the right amount of food will also help you manage your blood glucose and weight. Your healthcare team can help you determine how much food and how many calories you should consume each day.

What foods and drinks should be limited if I have diabetes?

• Fried foods and other foods high in saturated and trans fats.
• Foods high in salt, also called sodium.
• Sweets, such as baked goods, candies, and ice cream.
• Drinks with added sugars, such as juices, sodas, and regular sports or energy drinks.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Consider using a sugar substitute in your coffee or tea.

Importance of physical activity?
Physical activity is important for controlling blood glucose levels and staying healthy. Physical activity has many health benefits.
Lowers blood glucose levels
Lowers blood pressure
Improves blood circulation
Burns extra calories so you can keep your weight under control if necessary
Improves your mood
Can prevent falls and improve memory in older adults
Can help you sleep better

Importance of apple cider vinegar in Diabetes Mellitus.

A small study suggests that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity by 19–34% during a high-carbohydrate meal and significantly reduce blood sugar, as well as the insulin response.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, either due to insulin resistance or the inability to produce it.
However, high blood sugar can also be a problem in people who do not have diabetes, and this could be one of the main causes of aging and various chronic diseases.
Almost everyone should benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels within the normal range. The most effective (and healthiest) way to do this is to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar, but apple cider vinegar can also have a powerful effect.

Vinegar has been shown to have numerous benefits for blood sugar and insulin levels:

• Improves insulin sensitivity during a high-carbohydrate meal by 19% to 34% and significantly lowers blood sugar and insulin responses.
• Reduces blood sugar by 34% after eating 50 grams of white bread.
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed can reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
• In a variety of human studies.
• It was found that vinegar can improve insulin function and significantly lower blood sugar levels after meals.
• For these reasons, vinegar may be useful for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those who want to maintain their blood sugar levels.