Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how one's body reacts to and metabolizes sugars, or glucose. People with Type 2 diabetes are resistant to insulin--the hormone that regulates sugars. There is no known cure for diabetes, but it can be managed through medication, insulin therapies and lifestyle changes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest a healthy dietary lifestyle as a means of maintaining positive blood sugar levels.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide the body with an array of vitamins and minerals, many of which are antioxidants--that is, nutrients that support immune function and help the body fend off infection and disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) emphasizes the importance of fresh, colorful fruits and nonstarchy vegetables for those with Type 2 diabetes. Colorful fruits and vegetables often provide the most nutritional and antioxidant benefits. Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables to include in your diet ensures a broader range of nutrients, as item differs in specific nutritional makeup. Choose from fruits such as berries, apples, oranges, grapefruit, pears and cherries. Valuable sources of starchy, nutrient-rich vegetables include spinach, collard greens, kale, carrots, broccoli, green beans and asparagus. Maintaining appropriate body weight is helpful for treating and preventing symptoms of diabetes. Because fruits and nonstarchy vegetables are nutrient-rich, yet calorie-poor, both are ideal food choices that suit a healthy Type 2 diabetes diet.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain valuable nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The Mayo Clinic suggests that those with diabetes aim for about 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Most whole-grain bran cereals contain about 20 grams of fiber per serving; oats contain 12 grams per cup and most whole-grain breads contain 2 grams per slice. Incorporate a variety of whole grains such as oats, brown rice, wild rice, buck wheat, millet, oatmeal, popcorn, whole-grain-based breads, cereals, pasta and snack foods into your diet regularly for best results.
Whole-grain foods are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on blood sugar versus white flour-based or "enriched" carbohydrate products. Replacing refined carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary cereals with whole-grain equivalents is a reasonable way to increase nutrient intake and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Lean Protein
Protein-rich foods have a mild effect on one's blood sugar and help with lean tissue growth and bodily repair. Choose low-fat protein options--as high fat foods, particularly those that contain saturated or trans fats, may increase risk for heart disease and other conditions. Positive lean protein sources for those with Type 2 diabetes include legumes, skinless white-meat poultry, extra-lean meats, low-fat dairy products and fish. Incorporate a variety of foods such as beans, lentils, chicken, turkey, low-fat milk and yogurt regularly to reap most nutritional and blood sugar benefits. Fatty fish such as tuna and salmon provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats the body can't produce on its own. The American Diabetes Association suggests consuming fish at least twice per week, as omega-3s are also associated with healthy blood-sugar management. When you do consume red meats or other high-fat protein foods, keep your portion sizes modest.
