Carbohydrates and Diabetes Flashcards
what are the elements of carbohydrates?
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
state the 2 functions of carbohydrates
- carbohydrates provides a source of energy
- carbohydrates aids in digestion
explain how carbohydrates help to provide a source of energy
carbohydrates can be broken down into glucose to provide energy. it is stored as glycogen if it is not used.
explain how carbohydrates aids in digestion
carbohydrates aids in digestion by contributing non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). this helps in the elimination of waste by adding bulk and also helps to lower blood cholesterol.
what are the different types of carbohydrates?
simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates
what are the 2 types of simple carbohydrates?
monosaccharides (1) and disaccharides (2)
what are some examples of monosaccharides?
glucose,galactose and fructose (good girl friend)
describe monosaccharides
it is a single molecule
describe the solubility of monosaccharides in water
they are soluble in water
describe the sweetness of monosaccharides
it is sweet
state some sources of each monosaccharide
glucose - ripe fruits/honey
galactose - milk
fructose - ripe fruits
what are some examples of disaccharides?
sucrose = glucose + fructose (small) maltose = glucose + glucose (medium) lactose = glucose + galactose (large)
describe disaccharides
it is a double molecule
describe the solubility of disaccharides in water
it is soluble in water
describe the sweetness of disaccharides
it is sweet
state some sources
sucrose - table sugar/sugar cane
maltose - malt sugar from barley
lactose - milk sugar
what is a type of complex carbohydrate?
polysaccharides (more than 3)
what are some examples of polysaccharides?
glycogen, starch, cellulose and pectin
describe polysaccharides
it has many molecules
describe the solubility of polysaccharides in water
it is insoluble in water
describe the sweetness of polysaccharides
it is not sweet
what are some sources of polysaccharides?
glycogen - stored in liver/muscle
starch - found in grains/tubers
cellulose - vegetables/fruits
pectin - citrus fruits/apples
suggest some ways to reduce sugar intake
- choose foods labelled ‘no sugar added’, ‘unsweetened’, ‘low in sugar’ or ‘sugar-free’
- use sugar substitutes instead of adding sugar to food and beverages
- use spreads such as jams,kaya or marmalade sparingly
- avoid sugar loaded desserts
- sparingly consume sugar-filled drinks such as soda, energy drinks and bubble teas
- consume whole-grain foods
what are the effects of excessive sugar intake?
type 1 and type 2 diabetes
what is the nature of type 1 diabetes?
it is juvenile onset (genetic)
define type 1 diabetes
it is where the body is unable to produce insulin
who gets type 1 diabetes?
- people who are below 35 years of age
- genetically inherited
what is the impact of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
- glucose will remain longer in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy
- untreated may cause damage to organs such as the eyes, kidney, feet and nervous system
what are some treatments for people with type 1 diabetes?
- an insulin injection before every meal
- frequent blood sugar monitoring
what is the nature of type 2 diabetes?
it is adult onset
define type 2 diabetes
it is where the body is unable to respond or use the insulin being produced
who gets type 2 diabetes?
- people who have a diet high in fats, sugar and salt
- people who have an inactive lifestyle
- people who are overweight and obese
what are some treatments for people with type 2 diabetes?
- metaformin (drug) medication
- weight loss or regular exercise
- frequent blood sugar monitoring
what are some effects of insufficient sugar intake?
- weight loss (in the long run)
- disruptions to normal body functions
- extreme tiredness
- loss in concentration
what is glycemic index?
it refers to a set of values assigned to food based on how slowly or quickly these foods can cause an increase in blood glucose levels
