Getting a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes from your doctor hopefully will prompt you to pay attention to your dietary intake. There are many different dietary concerns that diabetics need to be aware of. For most people with type 2 diabetes, weight management or weight loss is a concern. People that are on medication may have concerns related to side effects of the medication that can turn into a medical emergency.
Diet and Type 2 Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 25 million people with diabetes which is more than 8 percent of the population in the United States. In type 2 diabetes, the insulin is not being used efficiently enough or the body is not producing enough insulin to break down glucose, which is energy in the food you eat. A poor diet, being overweight, heredity and genetics all play a part in making someone at risk for diabetes.
Eating Healthy With Diabetes
Having diabetes does not mean that you cannot enjoy food. It means that you need to start eating healthy. This is a concern for many diabetics since lifelong habits may have been something that contributed to the development of the disease in the first place. Eating healthy consists of not having too many calories on a daily basis, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, having less saturated fat, more whole grains, more lean proteins and an overall balanced diet. Learning how to eat healthy might mean getting counseled by a diabetic educator, or nutritionist and having a personalized meal plan that fits your needs.
Carbohydrates
Eating carbohydrates is a part of a balanced diet, however not all carbohydrates are created equal. Try opting for more complex carbohydrates such as foods that are whole grains, legumes or starchy vegetables. Helpguide.org suggests making vegetables the largest part of your meal. Stay away from simple carbohydrates with little nutritional value such as fruit drinks, sodas and other processed snacks that are high in calories and sugar.
Hypoglycemia
People that have diabetes and are on medications to lower blood sugar run the risk of having low blood sugar as a side effect. Hypoglycemia can be a potentially dangerous situation if not treated promptly and adequately. Prevent low blood sugar attacks by eating regular meals and snacks and tracking blood sugars with a glucometer regularly and with symptoms of low blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about how to respond to a low blood sugar reaction. This may include treating it with 15 g of carbohydrates, testing and then a meal or snack. In severe situations, an injectable medication may need to be administered by emergency personnel to raise the blood sugar more quickly.
