If you were just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or were previously diagnosed but are now ready to undertake dietary changes, the notion of giving up your favorite foods may seem frightening. However, you may be glad to learn that a proper diet for type 2 diabetes isn’t as difficult as you think – and that you can still enjoy food while managing this condition. A nutritious diet is an important component of a successful diabetes control regimen. Other pillars include managing stress, exercising regularly, and taking any prescribed medicines.
How a healthy diet can aid in the management of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is distinguished by insulin resistance, a disease in which the body is unable to efficiently utilize the hormone insulin to transport blood sugar, or glucose, to cells and muscles for energy. This causes glucose levels in your blood to rise beyond normal, putting your health in jeopardy.
Everyone, regardless of diabetes condition, should eat a nutritious diet. However, for patients with this condition, eating healthy meals in the proper amounts provides two important benefits:
Blood sugar levels are lower. Lowering high blood sugar levels may help minimize diabetic symptoms and the risk of health consequences.
A more healthy weight
Weight reduction is linked to a lower A1C, which is a two- to three-month average of blood sugar levels.
Best diabetes-friendly foods
While no two diabetes diets are the same, several items are considered mainstays for persons with this condition because they help maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar level. They are as follows:
• Nonstarchy veggies such as broccoli, as well as high-fiber fruits such as apples
• Lean protein foods, such as boneless, skinless chicken, turkey, and fatty fish, such as salmon
• Nuts, nut butter, and avocado (in moderation)
• Whole grains, such as quinoa and barley
• Nonfat or low-fat dairies, such as milk and plain yogurt
Do I have to count calories if I have type 2 diabetes?
While tracking your daily calorie intake might be beneficial, it is not necessarily required.
Although calorie counting may help with weight loss, it is possible to lose weight while still having a low nutritional quality in your diet, as one study found.
As a result, if you do watch calories, make sure you’re also focused on eating nutritious foods. She claims that you can measure your food consumption, which will allow you to monitor quantities as well as how particular meals and mealtimes affect blood glucose levels.
When managing type 2 diabetes, eating out
It may seem difficult to peruse a menu while dining out, but it is not impossible. With these instructions, you may spend time with friends and enjoy wonderful cuisine.
Before you go, have an appetizer. It’s tempting to “store up” calories during the day to prepare for a night out, but this strategy might backfire. You’ll be hungry by the time you arrive and less inclined to order anything nutritious. Before you go, have a small, nutritious snack, such as some almonds or low-fat plain yogurt. This may aid in reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
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