Diabetes is a chronic condition in which your body cannot metabolize glucose correctly. In type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is able to produce some insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose levels, but the amount is either insufficient or your cells cannot use it properly. Unmanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. Fortunately, you can manage your type 2 diabetes through the proper nutrition and lifestyle.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates you eat have the most significant effect on your blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and raises your blood sugar. Different types of carbohydrates move through your digestive system at different rates. Simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, sugar and soda, move through the digestive system quickly, causing rapid increases in blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat bread, oats and beans, take longer to digest and have a less dramatic effect on your blood sugar levels. Most of the carbohydrates you eat should be complex carbohydrates.
Meal Timing
In addition to controlling the types of carbohydrates you eat, you should control the times during which you eat and the number of carbohydrates you eat at each meal. Eating at regular times every day can help control your blood sugar levels. You should always carry a snack to avoid prolonged periods of time without food. Splitting your total carbohydrate intake throughout the course of the day can also help keep your blood sugar steady. If you require 50 g carbohydrates per day, you may consider eating five small meals that each contain 10 g carbohydrates.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a high concentration of sugar and can rapidly increase your blood sugar levels. On the other hand, alcohol can also dehydrate you and can your blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low. If you have type 2 diabetes, it is important to drink alcohol responsibly. Diabetic women should consume no more than one drink per day and diabetic men consume no more than two drinks per day. If you do drink alcohol, is it important to always drink it with a meal because the presence of food in your stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol and can help keep your blood sugar from spiking.
Considerations
Many people with type 2 diabetes can manage their conditions through the proper diet and regular exercise. If you have diabetes, it is important that you check your blood sugar levels regularly and make sure you are staying within normal, healthy ranges. If you cannot control your blood sugar levels through your diet, your doctor may recommend regular insulin administration or prescribe medication that can help decrease your resistance to insulin.
