In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Blood glucose level is regulated by insulin. In this disease, the body is unable to use insulin; this results in excess glucose buildup in the blood, causing harm to cells, tissues and organs. Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled to a large extent with proper diet, weight loss and exercise.
Watch Your Weight
Obesity is recognized as one of the strongest risk factors for developing diabetes. Excess weight leads to insulin resistance, the inability of the body to use insulin, which in turn results in elevated blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids and diabetes. According to Penn Medicine, which is the University of Pennsylvania's Health System, the primary dietary goal for overweight type 2 diabetes patients is weight loss. Losing weight will help lower insulin resistance. A healthy diet is crucial in maintaining normal body weight.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
Carbohydrates have the most immediate effect on blood sugar levels since they are converted into glucose sugar as soon as they are eaten. Carbohydrates are classified as either simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates, such as glucose, sucrose, lactose and fructose, are essentially different types of sugar. They enter the bloodstream and rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates are found in refined sugar and in fruits. Complex carbohydrates are slow-release carbohydrates. It takes longer to digest them, so they don't produce a sudden rush of sugar in the blood. They are found in starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Eat More Fiber
Fiber is beneficial for the body's digestive tract and bowel movements, which are important in the fight against obesity. DiabetesForum.com points out that for people with type 2 diabetes, dietary fiber reduces the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the blood. It promotes weight loss by helping to decrease caloric intake; it also adds bulk to the food that is eaten, resulting in a fuller feeling. Foods rich in fiber include whole grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Limit Fats
A low-fat diet is crucial for controlling body weight, which is a vital defense against diabetes. The ingestion of less fatty foods makes it easier for the body to remove glucose from the blood. HealthCentral.com points out that in an ideal diet for diabetics, total fat should constitute 25 to 35 percent of total daily calories. Saturated fat should be limited to less than 7 percent of total daily calories. Monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts and avocados, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, such as fish and walnuts, are healthy fats. Trans fats should be avoided completely.
Reduce Salt Intake
In a recent review in The Cochrane Library, researchers report that for people with diabetes, reducing the amount of salt in their daily diet is key to warding off serious threats to their health. Those with diabetes need to be extra careful to maintain their blood pressure at an acceptable range of less than 130/80 mmHg. High salt intake is a major cause for increased blood pressure and, in those with diabetes, elevated blood pressure can lead to more serious health problems, such as stroke, heart attack and diabetic kidney disease.
