Patient Information: News

How Is Diet Used To Manage Type 2 Diabetes?

To keep diabetes in check, patients need to follow a diabetes diet plan that differs for the diabetes type.

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar levels go above normal, leading to serious complications in day to day life. This happens due to an insulin imbalance causing lethargy and dizziness. Diabetes can lead to serious heart and kidney conditions as well as a significant problems in eyesight.

Types of Diabetes and Effect of Diet on Them

Diabetes can be broadly divided into two types:

• Type I in which insulin is not produced at all or in lesser quantity
• Type II in which although insulin is produced, the receptive power of cells goes low and cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly.

Type II Diabetes affects millions of people across the world and is estimated to be doubled by the end of 2015.

Apart from genetic inheritance, wrong food habits are also a big reason behind this disease. Before getting into medication and insulin adjustments in the body, type II diabetes can be cured through proper diet.

Most experts believe that diabetes control through diet is not only a preventive measure but it also greatly helps in supporting medication.

Type 2 Diabetes Diets

Type II Diabetes diet is the mix of balanced food items. The basic objective is to keep the calorie intake in check as muscles don’t consume the calories completely and spike up sugar levels.

Expert prescribed diabetes diet includes intake of whole grain cereals and a significant cut in extra sweeteners and fatty foods.

• Pick lean meats. This includes fish and poultry. Instead of frying these meats, bake, grill, broil, roast or boil them.
• Choose low-fat cheese, skimmed milk, and derivatives to keep the calorie level down.
• Use cholesterol lowering sterols such as "Benecol" or "Take Control."
• Use mono or poly unsaturated fats that help decrease 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
• Use more vegetables and fruits as they are low fat sources.

Researchers suggest that people at risk of Type II Diabetes can prevent /delay it with the help of proper diabetes diet and by losing a little weight. In the initial phases even moderate diet changes and exercise can be of great help.

While no diabetes diet works like magic, sticking to it for as long as possible can lower the risks attached with diabetes and help you lead a healthier life.

----------

Related Topics