A Healthy Diet For Type 2 Diabetes

Eating right is essential if you want to keep your type 2 diabetes condition under control. Patients suffering from type 2 diabetes can live a healthy life if they are able to keep their blood sugar levels at check. A healthy diet for type 2 diabetes consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, fiber and salts. This article highlights some important facts about preparing a healthy diet for type 2 diabetes patients.

Carbohydrates give you the fuel to manage your daily activities. But, they affect your blood sugar levels much faster than proteins or fat. This is why, you need to pay close attention to the quality and quantity of carbohydrates taken with your diet. Carbohydrates can be mainly found in the following food groups: Rice, bread, pasta, cereal, fruits, milk, yogurt, potatoes, beans and corn. Carbohydrates are divided into two main groups such as simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate while carbs found in whole grain, beans, nuts and vegetable are considered complex carbohydrates. Your diet should include complex carbohydrates as they take much longer to digest allowing your body to have a steady source of energy. These complex carbs also provide fiber to your body. Fiber is vital for better digestion of foodstuff.

Carbohydrate counting is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You need to keep track of the amount of carbs you eat each day. Split them evenly between your meals so that your blood sugar levels are under control. If your carbohydrate levels rise above the mark than your insulin supply can handle, your blood sugar levels go up. This is why counting your carb intake is essential to control the blood sugar levels. Your physician is the best person to advise on the adequate level of carbohydrates per meal. He or she will take into consideration your current health status when advising you on this.

Fiber is another important element that should be included in your diet to control your blood sugar levels. Fiber helps with digestion and controlling blood sugar. You eat less when you include enough fiber in your diet since fiber makes you fuller. You don’t feel hungry when you take enough fiber with your diet. Cooked beans and peas, fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, bran products and whole grain cereals, breads and crackers are the best sources of fiber.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to heart disease. This is why you need to limit your intake of artificial trans fat and saturated fat. Saturated fat is contained in beef, milk, baked items and cheese. Artificial trans fat also should be avoided as much as possible when you are suffering from type 2 diabetes. If an ingredient list contains the phrase “partially hydrogenated oils,” it is best to avoid such products altogether. Always choose and cook low fat foods. Bake, grill, boil or roast your food, use low-fat vegetable oil for cooking, use fat-free dairy products and use lower fat margarine at all times.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to high blood pressure. A patient suffering from diabetes can easily get high blood pressure. This is the reason for limiting your salt consumption. Avoid canned meat, pickled food, salad dressings, mustard, salty snacks, soy sauces and packaged soups if you are suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Using fresh ingredients and foodstuff with no extra salt added is one of the best ways to lower your risk of high blood pressure. Herbs and spices can replace salt in most of your food items. Use an orange or mandarin base for meat marinades instead of using salt. Lower sodium products are available in most of the grocery stores. Purchase these products whenever possible to maintain your health and well-being in the long run.

The aforementioned tips will help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent any unwanted risks for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. A healthy and balanced diet is essential to keep your blood sugar levels at check. Your dietitian is the best person to advise on the right diet considering your overall health status. A healthy diet will help you live longer by controlling your type 2 diabetes condition…