Type II Diabetes Diet
Types II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and can be very damaging to the body if not treated properly. It is necessary to follow a type 2 diabetes diet plan to effectively control the symptoms associated with this condition and reduce the damage done to the body. For example, the types of foods that go into each meal will need to be considered in order to follow a type II diabetic diet.
Carbohydrates turn to glucose in the body, which has the most impact on blood glucose levels. Protein and fats can also affect blood glucose levels but generally have less of an impact than carbohydrates. There are also different types of carbohydrates, simple and complex. The simple carbohydrates are sugar, which would be found in fruits, refined sugar and dried fruits. Complex carbohydrates are found in beans, legumes, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. These carbohydrates are better for the body because they contain fiber and are digested slowly, providing the body with energy and endurance.
Meals for a type II diabetes diet should be balanced and include both carbohydrates and protein, so don’t think that carbohydrates are bad. Carbohydrate counting is often recommended for those with type 2 diabetes to ensure that you are getting just the right amount. Since diabetes can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, it may be necessary to cut down on sodium intake. Be sure to use sea salt rather than table salt.
If your diabetes diet plan does include limiting salt, then you will want to avoid or limit certain products that are higher in sodium. These products include soy sauce, processed meats (lunch meat), bacon, canned soups and salty snacks. If you do buy a packaged food, be sure to read the label to see if it is low salt or not. It’s also important to ask for a low sodium dish when dining out. You can bring your own small jar of sea salt and sprinkle some on the dish if needed.
Fiber is also important for a type II diabetic diet. An average person, including those with type 2 diabetes, should consume anywhere from 25 to 35 grams of fiber on a daily basis. Fiber is an important factor in every type 2 diabetes diets because it actually helps to control blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar. A diet high in fiber also reduces the risk of heart disease, which is a factor in type 2 diabetes. Fiber also keeps the digestive system working properly. Add fiber to your diet by including fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, plus brown rice and other whole grains.
Fat is also another type of food that is essential to any diet, but certain fats should be avoided. Saturated fat is detrimental to the health of the body, especially heart health. Most saturated fat in a typical person’s diet is sourced from milk products (including cheese), beef and baked goods. People with type 2 diabetes should limit or completely avoid those foods. For a type II diabetes diet, it is recommended that foods are prepared by baking, broiling or sauteing rather than frying.
Overall, if you are serious about maintaining a type II diabetic diet plan, it would be recommended to visit a registered dietician. Often times, your primary care doctor can either give you the diet information or refer you to a qualified dietician to get you on the right path towards a healthier diet to manage diabetes.
Type II diabetes and diet go hand in hand. Your doctor may recommend certain medications, but diet is essential for controlling type 2 diabetes and promoting overall well-being. Also, remember to include exercise as a part of your diabetes diet management plan to control your weight and support your cardiovascular system.
