Diabetes is a very serious disease that occurs when the body can no longer process glucose in the proper manner. Those with Type 1 diabetes will require insulin injections for the rest of their lives because their bodies do not produce insulin. However, those with Type 2 diabetes may be able to regulate their illness by changing their dietary habits and committing to exercise.
Step 1
Banish corn syrup from your diet. Any food that has corn syrup listed as one of the main ingredients should be removed from your meal plans. Better yet, eliminate the substance from your diet altogether.
Step 2
Keep your carbohydrate intake to a minimum. Now, carbs are an essential part of a healthy diet, so don't completely eliminate them. Just remain aware that too many carbs will make it difficult to regulate your blood sugar levels and might make you rely on pills or insulin.
Step 3
Avoid trans fats as much as possible. These are bad for your health in general, not just if you are diabetic. Instead, opt for healthier fats like monounsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats. Don't forget Omega-3 fatty acids, as well.
Step 4
Boost your fiber intake. This is important for helping those with diabetes lose weight. Depending on your situation, between 20 and 50 grams of fiber will be recommended a day. Such dramatic amounts of fiber will stabilize your blood sugar levels and may even improve your insulin levels.
Step 5
Read food packaging. Labels like "sugar-free" might work well to sell products, but they are not necessarily good for diabetics. It is a combination of sugar and carbohydrate content that determine whether or not a food item is suitable to eat when you have diabetes, not just the sugar alone.
Step 6
Fill your diet with healthy foods that you enjoy. One of the biggest hurdles people with Type 2 diabetes have to jump over is adjusting to an entirely new diet. However, you can avoid this problem to some extent by picking foods that are healthy and that you already like. This will make the transition to a diabetes-friendly diet easier. Plus, you'll be more likely to stick to it.
