Diet Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes
Filed under: Diabetic Diet, Diabetic Nutrition, Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes) is the most common form of diabetes that millions of Americans have been diagnosed. The disorder is a defect in the body that either makes the body resistant to insulin, inability to produce insulin or an increase of glucose production in the liver.
Without proper treatment, the disease which can be genetic or due to lifestyle factors such as obesity, high blood pressure or through a poor diet can lead to severe problems. According to studies, people who suffer from type 2 diabetes are likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.
Unlike type 1 diabetes which is an auto-immune disease, if caught early, fortunately for type-2 diabetics, diet therapy can help treat the disease and even normalize blood sugar levels. In fact, type 2 diabetes is diagnosed to people typically are overweight and have a family history of diabetes and those who live an inactive lifestyle. So, for those who go on a diabetic diet plan, patients can eventually normalize functions in their body. But before dieting, make sure you contact your physician or dietitian to get some input and ideas and perhaps being put on a diet plan.
The reality is that there are some people who are type 2 diabetics that have a hard time adjusting and changing their lifestyle. It takes a disciplined person willing to accept and take on any diet, healthy or diabetic and like any diets, one must commit to it on a daily basis. So, a diabetes diet therapy must be strictly followed. That is to keep insulin levels down, losing weight, normalizing blood sugar and to do your best so stay with the plan.
Diet therapy for diabetics is literally a strict lacto-vegetarian and low-fat, natural foods. This means wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables and dairy products. By staying with this plan, raw foods can help stimulate the pancreas and increase insulin production.
Foods Diabetics Can Eat Via for their Diet Therapy
Diet therapy for type 2 diabetes can include restricting sugars and processed flours. One misconception is that one must stop eating favorite foods forever but that is not true. One can still eat red meat but it’s also about watching how much you eat, in other words, practicing moderation. Also, sea food and chicken are good for a low carb diet.
Fruits and vegetables are also excellent for one’s therapy diet. Broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts and celery are great. As for fruits, grapefruit, strawberries and cranberries are great but one may want to not focus on high glycemic fruits such as oranges, watermelon and bananas.
Food such as breads and white rice are not good for consuming for one’s diet therapy but by focusing on whole wheat breads and rice are good. Instead of using regular butter, look for non-fat butter.
A lot of foods available in grocery stores feature foods that are low-fat or no-fat and despite not having fat, are still quite tasty and can be incorporated into a diet plan as well. And grocery stores are not the only ones that are becoming conscious of people’s health. Restaurants are also now providing dishes that are suitable for those on a special diet as well.
So, being diagnosed with diabetes is definitely not an end all. It takes focus, commitment and knowing that you can help normalize your blood sugar by practicing moderation and sticking with your diet therapy for your type 2 diabetes.