According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, with millions of individuals in the United States living with the condition. In this form of diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the body does not respond to the insulin that is produced. By adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise, individuals with type 2 diabetes can improve their health and reduce risks associated with diabetes.
Better Glucose Control
With type 2 diabetes, it is important to keep blood glucose in a reasonable range. Eating a healthy diet can help control glucose levels better than an unmonitored diet, says the Mayo Clinic. Carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are healthier for people with this kind of diabetes, rather than simple carbohydrates, since sugars and starches turn into glucose. The Mayo Clinic says that counting carbohydrates and making sure the amount and timing of carbohydrate consumption are the same every day, particularly if an individual is taking diabetes medication. This helps even out blood glucose levels.
Lowering Risk of Heart Disease
Many people with diabetes also have heart disease, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, individuals with diabetes are twice as likely as individuals without diabetes to have a heart attack or stroke. Diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by improving fitness and helping control weight, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar while exercising because the body becomes more sensitive to insulin with regular exercise, says the American Academy of Family Physicians, and blood sugar levels can get too low.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A healthy diet and consistent exercise help overweight individuals lose weight and helps individuals at a healthy weight maintain that body weight. Type 2 diabetes especially is related to obesity because added weight makes it harder for the body to control glucose levels using insulin, says the Obesity Society. Weight loss in overweight individuals can help reduce cholesterol levels, improves insulin sensitivity and improves overall health, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The Obesity Society states that even obese individuals who are already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of diabetic complications by losing even small amounts of weight.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes Diet
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Diabetes and Exercise
- American Diabetes Association: Type 2 Diabetes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Weight Control for Type 2 Diabetes
- The Obesity Society: Your Weight and Diabetes
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
