Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, disables your ability to produce enough insulin in the body. Dietary goals of type 2 diabetes include supporting normal blood sugars by eating certain foods and maintaining a healthy weight to in order to promote general health and prevent diabetic complications, reports the American Diabetes Association. Although you can enjoy all types of food, some should be limited or restricted.
Sugary Foods
The carbohydrates in sugary foods elevate your blood sugar levels. Consistent high blood sugar puts you at risk for foot ulcers, kidney disease, retina damage, nerve damage, skin disorders and other complications, the American Diabetes Association reports. Sugary foods lack essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Pre-packed foods such as donuts, cookies, cakes, carbonated drinks and juices with added sugar put blood sugar stability at risk.
Vegetables
Although vegetables provide antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, type 2 diabetics should limit or restrict starchy vegetables because they raise blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. Starchy vegetables include potatoes, corn, peas, sweet potatoes and winter squash.
Fatty Foods
Obesity not only complicates diabetes but elevates your risk factors for developing cancer, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. You can decrease dietary fat by selecting lean meats, fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and vegetables. Examples of fatty foods include fast food, frozen dinners and fried foods. You can also cut calories and fat by limiting high calorie desserts and snacks and monitoring portion size. The American Diabetes Association suggests that type 2 diabetics avoid trans and saturated fats that raise your cholesterol, stroke and heart attack risks.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Nutrition recommendations and principles for people with diabetes mellitus; The American Dietetic Association; May 2004
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Eating and Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: What Can I Eat?
