Type 2 diabetes can present long-term health challenges for those affected by the disease. Monitoring blood sugar by counting the amount of carbs in your diet is the most widely acknowledged form of diet restructuring that occurs in someone with type 2 diabetes. Often overlooked are sources of dietary fat. Since the risk of heart-related problems is higher in diabetics, eating a high-fat diet only increases the risk.
Types of Fat
When you have type 2 diabetes, the types of fat you consume are more important than the amount. Essentially, there are four types of fat. Saturated fat and trans fat are known as bad fats. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are what are commonly called good fats.
Saturated Fat and Trans Fat
Saturated fat and trans fat increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol can clog up arteries that supply a steady flow of oxygenated blood to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and brain. When arteries get too blocked up, that supply of nutrient-rich blood fails to reach its intended destination. This can cause heart attack, stroke and organ failure. Add to that the complication increase inherent in type 2 diabetes, and you see why eating a diet high in fat can have some pretty severe consequences.
High-Fat Foods
Your diet probably consists of a lot of foods that are high in fat. Red meat is one of the most common. Butter, lard and certain dairy products like cheese, milk and eggs are all high-fat-content foods. Cream sauces, gravy and sausages also have a high level of bad fat in them. Not surprisingly, chocolate, which is also high in carbohydrates, is high in fat. Chicken is not, but the skin is.
Recommendations
The American Diabetes Association recommends that you offset the amount of saturated fat and trans fat you eat with foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Beans, olive oil, nuts and grains are vital sources of good fats. Supplementing your diet with foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids is another way to balance your diet and get the essential nutrients you need for a healthy life.
Member Comments