Type 2 diabetes is related to high blood sugar levels. Sugar in the blood, or glucose, is found in food, notes the MedlinePlus website. Insulin allows glucose to be transported to the body's cells for energy production. When insulin does not function properly, blood glucose levels become too high. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body makes insulin that it doesn't use properly. To control blood glucose levels, you should follow certain dietary guidelines.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic's website states that type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that does not yet have a cure. It also notes that in this condition your body becomes resistant to insulin or your pancreas stops producing enough insulin. The cause of type 2 diabetes is not known, but some lifestyle-related factors, like being overweight or sedentary, appear to play a role in the onset of the condition.
Prevention and Management
Lifestyle choices can play a significant role in both prevention and management of diabetes. To prevent and control diabetes, it is important for you to eat healthy foods and avoid those that raise blood sugar. The Harvard School of Public Health states that such a diet, along with physical exercise and weight management, can prevent most cases of type 2 diabetes. It notes that a diet rich in whole grains and healthy fats adds even more protection. If you already have type 2 diabetes, the MedlinePlus website suggests that diet and exercise can help you manage the condition.
Recommendations
The American Diabetes Association and American Dietetic Association have developed specific dietary guidelines for people with diabetes. When eating a type 2 diabetes diet, you should focus on controlling your body weight, because most people with diabetes are overweight, according to MedlinePlus. A healthy diet should include whole grains, beans and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The associations also recommend eating fish and poultry and including milk in the diet.
Fat Restrictions
A type 2 diabetes diet has restrictions, which include limiting intake of fatty foods, especially those high in saturated fat. There are many types of fats, and some are actually healthy. For example, fat is required by your body for energy production.
The Harvard School of Public Health notes that unsaturated fats have health benefits, having been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation and stabilize heart rhythms. It recommends including unsaturated fats in your diet, which are predominantly found in foods from plants, such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Other healthy fats include omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish.
Sugar Restrictions
Carbohydrates are found in many forms, like sugars, fibers and starches. The Harvard School of Public Health states that a type 2 diabetes diet should restrict refined carbohydrates. These include white bread, rice and pasta, as well as potatoes, all of which can cause increases in blood sugar. Sugar-heavy drinks like fruit punch and juice also should be avoided. In addition, you should limit the amount of alcohol you consume, as well as sweets.
