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Diet for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to help the body function properly. It was once called adult onset diabetes, but now children are starting to develop it as well. There are two important things a Type 2 diabetic can do to control her condition. One is exercise. The other is to eat a healthy diet.

  1. Portion Size is Key

    • Be aware of serving sizes. Did you know that the serving size of the average fast food item is two to five times larger than it was in the 1950s? Many Type 2s have a problem with obesity, and this is part of the reason. See References below for a guide to standard serving sizes for various foods, and compare them to that value meal you just ordered (most restaurants provide the nutritional information if you ask). You don't have to clean your plate, but you don't have to waste food, either; leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or toaster oven and often taste just as good. If you don't go out much, you're still capable of overeating at home. You may be eating more than you think.

    Portion Size Experiment

    • Get a three-section plate and eat your biggest meal on it. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that overweight diabetics who ate from specially designed section plates during their biggest meal lost up to 5 percent of their weight. The actual plate used can be found in the Resources section below, but any three-section plate from a housewares store will do.

    Eat a Balanced Diet

    • Know that a low-carb diet doesn't necessarily mean your diet has the proper balance. Often, those who try a low-carb diet overcompensate by eating too much of everything else. A balanced diet should include vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins. This idea works hand in hand with the three-section plate concept. Fill the largest sections with leafy greens or fruit. The smaller sections are for starches, starchy vegetables and proteins. This will also alleviate boredom from your diet, since you'll be free to eat just about anything. You will, however, eat a great deal less of it, and you'll be a lot healthier due to the nutritional balance.

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