Type Two Diabetes Diet
Type II diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, is by far the most common form of diabetes today. Unlike in type I diabetes, the body still produces some insulin, but that insulin is either not enough or the body is “resistant” to letting that insulin work the way it should in the body. As a result, blood glucose can build up to dangerous levels over time.
Luckily, type II diabetes can be controlled, and to some extent, reversed in severity through a carefully controlled diet regimen. Generally, what is considered a healthy diet for anyone is also good for type II diabetics. The biggest key, when putting together a dietary plan, is creating a plan that you can sustain over long periods of time. While “crash diets” or “fad diets” might sound appealing, they often don’t work in the long run, leaving diabetes patients no better off than they were before. Consistency is the key to healthy eating for type II diabetics.
For many type II diabetics, losing some weight can be a huge step towards slowing the progression of diabetes and reducing its affects on day-to-day life. A proper diet, combined with a healthy amount of exercise, can really help diabetes patients get a step in the right direction.
Here are some guidelines for eating a healthy diet for the type II diabetes patient.
- The American Diabetes Association puts almost as much emphasis on when you eat as what you eat. It’s best to eat small meals spaced evenly throughout the day, avoiding long periods of fasting, which can cause you to get on the “blood glucose roller coaster”.
- As a general rule of thumb, you should select healthy foods and try to eat a variety of those healthy foods. Eating only a few kinds of foods, even if they are healthy, can lead to boredom, and, more importantly, could leave you deficient of some of the nutrients you need. Good news: you can still fit in a few of your favorite treats, in moderation. Look for low-fat or sugar-free versions of your favorite sweets for best results.
- Focus on eating natural, whole foods rather than processed foods as much as possible. Raw fruits and vegetables are better for you than canned or cooked versions of these foods, typically.
- Complex carbohydrates are better for type II diabetics than simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are usually found in produce, as well as whole grain foods. Simple carbohydrates are found in sugary foods or highly processed foods, such as refined or white flour.
- Focus on eating unsaturated or monounsaturated fats, rather than saturated fats. These “healthy fats” are found in foods like olive oil and other plant products. Saturated fats tend to be found in animal products, like butter and cheese. If at all possible, avoid trans fats completely. Following these guidelines will promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
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