If you have type 2 diabetes, it is important to take care of yourself physically. The best way you can do this is by exercising regularly and eating healthy. Maintaining your health can help you control your diabetes and blood glucose levels. If you choose to not eat foods that are rich in whole grains or low in fat and calories, you could put yourself at risk for diabetes complications and diabetes-related illnesses.
Weight Gain
Eating a high-calorie, high-fat diet that consists of sugary and processed foods can easily cause you to gain weight. Weight gain caused by poor food choices can adversely affect type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affects your body through your pancreas. When your pancreas does not make enough insulin to break down blood sugar in the blood stream, levels can quickly rise. When you are overweight, it is harder for your vital organs -- including your pancreas -- to work effectively. Medline Plus says that when you are overweight, especially in the abdomen, your fat interferes with how your body uses insulin. Weight gain from eating fast food or fatty foods can lead to obesity and make it harder for you to manage your diabetes.
Blood Glucose Levels
Eating a poor diet that is high in fat can affect your blood glucose levels. Foods high in saturated fats can cause your blood glucose levels to rise -- especially foods that contain a lot of carbohydrate. When your body digests fattening foods, it creates glucose as a form of fuel, says FamilyDoctor.org. If you eat foods that are processed or high in carbohydrates, more glucose will be generated. More glucose means the pancreas has to work harder to dispense insulin you're your body. Over time, your body will work harder to make insulin and more blood glucose will remain in the blood stream. This can cause drastic fluctuations of sugar levels in the blood. Keeping your blood glucose levels from fluctuating helps keep your type 2 diabetes under control.
Elevated Lipids
When you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for a heart attack. A high-fat diet can lead to elevated lipids in your bloodstream. Elevated lipids are also referred to as high cholesterol. Cholesterol is the fat that is found in your bloodstream. Everyone needs a small amount to stay healthy, but too much fat in the blood is dangerous. A high-fat diet may cause your cholesterol levels to rise. Your HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol in your blood. Levels should be between 40 and 60 mg. LDL, or bad cholesterol, should be lower than 130 mg. If you have high cholesterol levels, speak to your doctor about cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins that can help bring your numbers within the normal range.
Diabetes Complications
With type 2 diabetes, your body's cells may ignore insulin or not produce enough after each meal. Following a heart-healthy, low-fat diet as opposed to a high-fat, high-calorie one can help reduce complications related to diabetes. A diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy and lean protein will help you minimize your chances for developing hypertension, gallbladder disease, stroke, obesity, kidney disease and liver problems.
