All foods can fit into a diet for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but certain foods should be limited more than others, and every diet needs to be balanced with physical activity. According to the American Dietetic Association's recommendations for diabetics, the goal of nutrition is to control blood sugar, promote a healthy weight, avoid diabetic complications and support general health.
Blood Sugar
Regular blood sugar monitoring through a simple blood test is an indicator of how well T2DM is being managed. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a healthy diet and physical activity help control and keep blood sugars within a normal range. Blood sugars that are consistently too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) can lead to T2DM complications.
Type II Diabetic Complications
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), T2DM complications can be prevented through diet, physical activity and lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation. Complications associated with T2DM include vision problems, nerve damage, kidney and heart disease, skin disorders, high blood pressure and stroke.
Foods to Eat
A healthy diet not only prevents T2DM complications, but also supports general health and a healthy weight. The ADA and NIH recommend eating nutrient-dense foods like fruit, nonstarchy vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and proteins, beans and legumes, fish, and nonfat dairy products. The best beverages are water, calorie-free drinks and 100 percent juice that do not have added sugar. Use liquid cooking oils instead of saturated fats like butter and lard that can raise cholesterol.
Foods to Limit
Limit foods that are highly processed and have a lot of added fat and sugar. These foods are high in calories but offer few vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients and can lead to obesity, chronic diseases and T2DM complications. Drink alcohol only if blood sugar is well controlled, and limit alcohol to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy diet for an individual with T2DM. According to the ADA, the benefits of physical activity include blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, improved blood lipids, weight loss and weight maintenance, decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, more energy, stronger bones and muscles and better flexibility. The Mayo Clinic recommends being active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week and combining aerobics, strength training and stretching.
Diet for Sickness
Controlling blood sugar in T2DM can be difficult when a person is sick. The NIH recommends checking blood sugar regularly, drinking eight ounces of water every hour while awake, and eating bland foods like crackers and soup if a regular diet is not tolerated. A person who cannot eat should drink something with sugar in it to prevent blood sugar from falling too low and to provide the body with the calories it needs to function.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Top 10 benefits of being active
- American Diabetes Association: Making Healthy Foods Choices
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Nutrition recommendations and principles for people with diabetes mellitus; The American Dietetic Association; May 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Type 2 Diabetes
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: What I need to know about eating and diabetes
