The majority of people who have Type 2 diabetes are overweight, so the American Diabetes Association recommends that people with this disease focus on controlling their weight. Sticking to a healthy diet and losing and extra weight can help you to better control your Type 2 diabetes.
Recommended Diet
There is no set diet for those with Type 2 diabetes, but MayoClinic.com recommends focusing on eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and minimizing sweets and animal products. MedlinePlus recommends following the Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid, which consists of eating at least six servings of grains or starchy vegetables, three to five servings of vegetables, two to four servings of fruits and two to three servings each of dairy products and meat or fish every day. Fats and sweets should be limited and eaten only in small servings.
Weight Loss
Losing weight can have a big effect on diabetes symptoms. Even losing 8 percent of your body weight can improve your blood sugar levels and make you less dependent on medication, according to "Small Weight Loss Can Help Type 2 Diabetes," a 2007 article on the CBS News website. A 2007 article by Erika Gebel, Ph.D., published in "Diabetes Forecast," notes that weight loss surgery can cause Type 2 diabetes to be reversed in many people, either through weight loss or even before weight loss, in the case of gastric bypass surgery.
Considerations
Weight loss is only effective in reversing Type 2 diabetes or improving diabetes symptoms when you are insulin resistant. Once your condition progresses so you are insulin deficient, weight loss is unlikely to make much of a difference in your condition, according to a 2007 article by Marion Franz, R.D., published in "Diabetes Spectrum."
Franz also notes that those with diabetes have a more difficult time losing weight than those without this condition.
Warning
If you are considering weight loss surgery as a way to reverse your Type 2 diabetes, keep in mind that this surgery requires major lifestyle changes. You will only be able to eat tiny portions and you will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent malnutrition. If you eat too much after these surgeries, it could cause vomiting or diarrhea. There is also a risk of complications from the surgery, and if you don't stick with the proper diet and exercise regimen, you could gain back any weight you lose.
Expert Insight
Exercise is important as well as diet, and you should aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity in most days of the week, advises MayoClinic.com. This, in combination with eating a healthy diet, counting carbohydrates and eating foods low on the glycemic index can help you to control your Type 2 diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose is recommended, and you may need to take medications as well to control your blood glucose.
Franz recommends moderation, stating that eating a bit less and exercising a bit more will help you to achieve a beneficial effect on your blood glucose levels, regardless of whether you lose weight.
