About two to four hours after a meal both blood glucose and insulin are at low levels, with insulin being slightly higher. The blood glucose levels are then referred to as fasting blood glucose concentrations . Type 1 Diabetes. Without insulin to move glucose into cells, blood sugar levels become excessively high, a condition known as hyperglycemia. The sugar, which the body cannot use without insulin, spills over into the urine and is lost.
Patients become dependent on administered insulin for survival.
Dietary control in type 1 diabetes is very important and must focus on balancing food intake with insulin intake and energy expenditure from physical exertion. Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity is common in type 2 diabetics and this condition appears to be related to insulin resistance. The primary dietary goal for overweight type 2 patients is weight loss and maintenance. Studies indicate that when people with type 2 diabetes can maintain intensive exercise and diet modification programs, many can minimize or even avoid medications.