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Dietary Restrictions For Type 2 Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic describes type 2 diabetes as a disease that is caused by the body's inability to regulate the levels of sugar in the bloodstream with insulin. The imbalance can lead to damage of the body's major organs, including the heart and kidneys. It can also cause problems with the circulatory system and nervous system. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you must pay attention to your dietary restrictions and adhere to them for good health and to prevent further damage to your body.

  1. Restrict Sugar and Carbohydrates

    • One of the first dietary areas you will want to restrict is your intake of processed sugar. This includes table sugar and processed foods, such as cookies, candy, cakes, ice cream and sweetened drinks. Refined sugars can cause tooth decay, an impaired immune system and obesity, which is linked to the development of diabetes. When you eat sugar, insulin moves it to the cells where it can be used as energy. However, people with type 2 diabetes do not have properly functioning insulin receptors, so the sugar they consume builds up in their bloodstream.

      Refined carbohydrates and general carbohydrate intake should also be restricted when you have type 2 diabetes. Refined carbohydrates include white bread, products made with white flour, pasta, crackers, and most processed and packaged foods. According to a study in the Apr. 8, 2008, issue of Nutrition and Metabolism, restricting carbohydrates for the type 2 diabetic promotes weight loss, helps regulate insulin levels by preventing their fluctuation and improves control of overall blood-sugar levels.

    Restrict Calories

    • While you are restricting refined sugars and carbohydrates, you will find yourself eating more fresh vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. However, just because these foods are healthy for you and are allowed, you should not overindulge with them. In the Sept. 16, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, doctors recommend that diabetics restrict their overall caloric intake to reduce their body mass index, lower triglycerides, improve blood-sugar levels and improve heart function. Your doctor and/or dietician will help you establish a daily calorie and carbohydrate limit. Pay close attention to the calories in the foods you eat, even if they are healthy foods, to meet these dietary goals and control your disease.

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