Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition Guidelines

Type 2 diabetes develops because the body does not produce enough insulin to process the glucose one eats or because the cells become resistant to the insulin. Glucose cannot enter the cells where the body converts it to energy. Proper nutrition and weight loss (if the person is overweight) can effectively slow down type 2 diabetes.

Facts

• When a person has type 2 diabetes, his body system is not producing enough insulin to process the food he eats. The glucose in the food remains in the blood stream and eventually goes to the kidney where the kidney expels it. One part of type 2 diabetes treatment is to control both the type and the amount of food a person consumes to make it easier for the insulin that is produced to process the glucose.

Significance

• When there is a smaller amount of food to process, the amount of insulin produced may be enough to process it. Certain types of foods are easier to process because of the nutrients they contain. For example, simple fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals that do not need to be broken into component parts. Complex carbohydrates, such as refined sugar and processed foods, need to be broken down into base units first. Then the insulin extracts and processes the insulin so that it can enter the cells. This two-step process means there is more work for the available insulin to do.

Guidelines

• If you have type 2 diabetes, the basic guidelines for nutrition, according to Palo Alto Medical Foundation, is to lose weight if you are overweight, control blood sugar and prevent or delay other known risks associated with having diabetes. In order to follow these guidelines, you must implement a meal plan that contains an abundance of fruits and vegetables while keeping foods high in sugar to a very limited intake. You must also include carbohydrates in your meals but limit the intake of foods containing carbohydrates. In addition, you should change the way you eat food in general. Instead of three larger meals per day, eat small amounts of food at least six times a day. This keeps your blood sugar levels on an even keel so you do not run the risk of low blood sugar. Eating small amounts six times day also makes it easier on your body to process the glucose since it comes at small steady intervals.

Foods

• Although diet may vary from person to person, generally it is safe to say a diabetic cannot eat too much fruit or vegetables. Diabetics should also eat fish, skinless chicken and turkey. A diabetic may eat lean red meat in limited portions. Instead of using refined (white) sugar, flour and rice, use brown. Eat whole grain breads, such as rye and pumpernickel. Stay away from high calorie sweet desserts and consume alcohol in moderation or preferably not at all.

Benefits

• Sticking with the nutrition guidelines for type 2 diabetes may make it possible to go off your medication if you are taking one. You decrease the risk of other serious diabetes-related complications and illnesses. If you are overweight, losing weight in general makes you feel better, increases your chances for remaining in good health and adds to your appearance.