Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is a condition in which your body responds abnormally to insulin--a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Unlike type 1 diabetes which you're born with, type 2 diabetes may develop at any time. Treatment for type 2 diabetes typically consists of insulin therapy or medications and dietary lifestyle changes. A nutritious diet that promotes positive blood sugar levels is important, whether you have type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein during food processing. Because of this, whole grains are considered low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. According to research published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2008, low-glycemic foods may improve symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In the study, 210 patients with type 2 diabetes in Canada consumed a low-glycemic diet or a high-fiber cereal diet without regard to the glycemic index for six months. At the study's end, researchers found that patients who ate the low-glycemic diet demonstrated greater improvements in blood sugar levels than those who did not. To potentially reap similar benefits, incorporate foods and dishes based upon whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice and wild rice, rather than foods containing parts of grains, such as bran, wheatgerm or enriched flour, most often.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants--nutrients that support your body's ability to defend itself from infections and disease. One useful method of managing your blood sugar and food portions involves filling half of your meal plates with non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, bell peppers, Brussels spouts, broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms, one-quarter of your plate with a starch, such as brown rice, and one-quarter of your plate with lean protein, such as fish. Most fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables are low-glycemic, thus promote positive blood sugar levels. Starchy varieties, such as potatoes and winter squash, provide healthy complex carbohydrate, or starch, options. Choose whole fruits and vegetables over juices, dried fruit and fruit canned in heavy syrup, which are higher in calories and have a higher glycemic index, most often.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein supplies amino acids--the building blocks of lean tissue. Protein-rich foods also digest slower than carbohydrates, thus have a mellowing impact on blood sugar levels. MayoClinic.com suggests that people with diabetes limit or avoid saturated fat sources, such as processed meats and whole milk, and consume fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, halibut or sardines, at least twice per week for improved cardiovascular health. Other fish--such as cod and grouper--low-fat dairy products, skinless white-meat poultry, egg whites and tofu provide additional lean, low-cholesterol protein options. Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are rich sources of protein and fiber, which enhances fullness and digestive function. Incorporate lean, protein-rich foods into balanced meals and snacks routinely for optimum blood sugar and wellness benefits.
