Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin-independent diabetes, is a disease in which patients do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that helps keep blood glucose levels from getting too high. Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled through a carefully planned diet that keeps your blood glucose levels under control, while also reducing your risk of developing heart disease and other complications of diabetes.
Nutrient Balance
One of the most important aspects of a diet for diabetes is balancing the amount of calories you get from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. As a general rule, you should get between 50 and 60 percent of your calories each day from carbohydrates if you have type 2 diabetes, the Patient Education Institute explains. In addition, less than 30 percent of your calories should come from fat, with the rest coming from protein. To do this, monitor the carbohydrate, fat and protein content of the different foods you eat.
Calories
Many people with diabetes are also overweight. Meal planning aims to develop or maintain a healthy weight, as this can improve blood glucose levels as well as lower the risk of developing heart disease. Different people have different nutritional requirements based on their size and activity level. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes than smaller women may only need between 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day to develop or maintain a healthy weight, whereas large or physically active men may need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories each day to achieve the same goals.
Recommended Foods
The Mayo Clinic recommends that if you have type 2 diabetes that you get most of your carbohydrate intake from sources such as lentils, low-fat dairy, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. Increasing your fiber intake is also beneficial because fiber lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Consume two servings of fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring or salmon each week because the omega-3 fatty acids in them helps lower your risk of heart disease.
Foods To Avoid
Certain things should be consumed only in moderation if you have type 2 diabetes. Saturated fats should make up less than 7 percent of your daily caloric intake, because a diet high in saturated fat raises cholesterol levels. Similarly, trans fats should be avoided and you should keep your cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg per day, so eat red meat, whole eggs and whole fat dairy products only in moderation. You should also limit your sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day, as a high sodium diet can increase your blood pressure.
