Leading a healthy lifestyle includes balanced nutrition, in which the body receives all the necessary nutrients for its proper functioning. And, in this sense, prevent diseases such as diabetes and related complications.

However, not only people with diabetes should take care of their diet and control blood sugar levels, since experts agree that prevention is essential from an early age.

To begin with, it must be made clear that in general terms there are three groups of foods, also called macronutrients. These are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The first group is made up of sugars such as honey, pasta, cereals, bread, as well as grains, and fruits.

Proteins, on the other hand, include red meats, white meats such as fish, sausages, eggs, and cheeses. Finally, fats are divided into two: those of vegetable origin, such as oils, avocado, nuts, and seeds, and those of animal origin, which are found in meats, eggs, and milk.

Thus, when carbohydrates enter the cells of the body they are converted into glucose or sugar. It is worth mentioning that the entire food group in general, regardless of whether it is sweet or salty, a portion of pasta or an apple, is converted into glucose, which will be used as energy.

In fact, the explanation for what happens in diabetes is that the body does not produce enough insulin -or does not use it optimally- to store the sugar from carbohydrates, consequently, it does not enter the cells and instead accumulates in the blood.

“This does not mean that we should stop eating carbohydrates since they are the main source of energy, but rather that we can moderate their effect on blood sugar levels, changing the amount and proportion of each group of foods that we consume in the diet (… .) despite the fact that carbohydrates are foods that raise sugar more than proteins and fats, the human body needs them to produce energy”, states the specialized portal ‘DiabetCentro’.

On the other hand, both fats and proteins can dispense with insulin to enter the body’s cells and are essential for their extensive functions in the body, since they will not affect sugar levels like carbohydrates since their effect is less.

In conclusion, it is advisable to include all food groups in the diet: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, since each one fulfills specific functions that contribute to maintaining good health.

However, it is necessary to adapt the portions according to the needs and risk factors of each one, so periodically visiting a specialist is one of the main recommendations, even more so if you suffer from a disease such as diabetes or hypertension, which are, unfortunately – the main causes of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization.