Nutrition Dictionary

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body has difficulty controlling the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 (previously called insulin dependent) where insulin is no longer produced; Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (previously called non-insulin dependent) where the body does not respond well to insulin, or the insulin that is produced does not work properly; and gestational diabetes which is type 2 diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
Dietary Fibre

Dietary fibre is an indigestible form of carbohydrate of which there are three types, insoluble fibre, soluble fibre and resistant starch. Insoluble fibre helps keep the bowel regular by absorbing water which softens the bowel contents. It is mostly found in wheat based foods such as bread and cereals and also in nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Soluble fibre found mostly in fruits, vegetables, oats, dried beans and peas, slows down the emptying of the stomach helping people feel full for longer.