Type 2 diabetes results from your body resisting the insulin your pancreas produces. This resistance leads to a buildup of glucose -- the sugar in your blood -- because the insulin is unable to transport the glucose to your cells where it's used for energy. Eating right, in combination with the medication you take, is key to controlling your diabetes. Always consult your doctor regarding your approach to treating your diabetes, so you can get professional medical direction related to your specific situation.
Purpose
The purpose of medical nutrition therapy, or MNT, is to control glucose levels by managing your diet. Rather than place you on a restrictive diet, MNT allows you to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods in moderate amounts on a set schedule. Using MNT to control type 2 diabetes also enables you to lose excess weight, or maintain a healthy weight, both of which play an important role in the prevention of complications from diabetes.
The Role of the Dietitian
Registered dietitians are a key component in medical nutrition therapy. The American Dietetic Association explains that a dietitian will perform a nutrition assessment to make a diagnosis based on your personal condition. She will then counsel you on the behavioral and lifestyle changes needed; those that will impact your long-term eating habits and overall health, such as a reduction in calories. Through this counseling, you'll learn what foods are detrimental to your condition and work with her to devise an eating plan you can adhere to. Your dietitian will continue monitoring your condition through follow-up visits, adjusting your eating plan as needed.
Your Diet
Every diabetic is different, and your diet will vary from another's. In general, simple carbohydrates, such as soda, white bread and rice, pasta made with refined sugar, candy and high-sugar cereals, are prohibited. These break down rapidly during digestion, resulting in fast absorption into your bloodstream. This causes your glucose levels to rise and fall quickly.
Complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, wild or brown rice, oatmeal and bran have the opposite effect; these enter your blood slowly, having little impact on your glucose levels. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, green beans, asparagus, peppers and tomatoes fall under this category, as well.
Lean protein sources, such as skinless chicken or turkey, are encouraged, along with fish; these are low in fat, reducing your risk of heart disease, a complication diabetics are prone to. They are also low in calories.
Healthy fats such as walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and pistachios are healthy alternatives to ice cream or potato chips. These fats protect against heart disease. A handful is appropriate; although a healthy fat, they are still high in calories. Your dietitian will determine your caloric intake and explain the amount of carbohydrates, protein and fats you can consume each day.
Portion Control
Eating in moderation is an essential part of medical nutrition therapy. HelpGuide.org suggests making an invisible line down the center of your plate. One-half should contain your vegetables; eat these first. One-quarter is for your protein source; move on to this next. The remaining quarter is for a white starch such as potatoes or white rice. Save this for last, if you are still hungry.
Eat on a Regular Schedule
The last component of MNT is eating on a regular schedule. Its purpose is to control your glucose levels by providing your body with the same amount of calories every day at the same time. This prevents overeating by warding off hunger. Your dietitian will help you devise a schedule that works for you. Take into consideration the hours you work, the times you take your medication and the times you have to perform your glucose tests.
