ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe to our Newsletter:
Healthy Diet Plans  >>  Questions Asked  >>  Food Nutrition

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan

Sorry about this, but does can someone educate me on Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan. Maybe it's a silly question, but would appreciate some help?
(February 28, 2011)

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Menu

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes need not necessarily mean that you give up eating the things you normally would. Getting mentally prepared to make healthy lifestyle changes with regard to dietary habits and exercise regimens with the help of a dietician is the first step in making a type 2 diabetes diet plan. Living with diabetes does not have to make you feel deprived or scared of enjoying your favorite food. You simply need to understand how much of it and how often you can eat it, or if there are any healthy substitutes of your favorite dishes that you can try in your type 2 diabetes diet.

Type 2 diabetes diet food lists should include foods with a low glycemic index.


The glycemic index (GI) of a food indicates how fast and how much that food can raise glucose levels in the blood. The higher the glycemic index of a food, the faster it will raise blood sugar levels. However, it must be remembered that glycemic index tests are not performed on standard portion sizes. To know how the food that you eat will affect blood sugar, you need to know the glycemic load. In simple terms, glycemic load measures the actual carbohydrate content in a standard portion size, or the GI value per serving. For instance, the glycemic load of one medium doughnut can be double that of an oatmeal cookie.

Type 2 diabetes diet menus should include foods with plenty of proteins and complex carbohydrates like nuts, beans, and whole grains. The fiber in these foods helps to slow down or cut down the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Beans and nuts tend to get digested slowly, keeping sugar levels constant and provide a steady source of energy. Insoluble fiber found in whole grains helps to absorb and flush out toxins from the intestinal tract. A type 2 diabetes diet sheet will distribute the carbohydrates needed by the body over the meals and snacks planned for the entire day, using carbohydrate counting.

At least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day are included in a type 2 diabetes diet. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are loaded with vitamin C and soluble fiber. Leafy green vegetables and tomatoes and berries such as strawberries and blueberries are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Type 2 diabetes recipes using fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and low fat dairy products like milk and yoghurt with plenty of calcium and vitamins ensure that body gets the key nutrients that it needs to stay healthy.

Here are a few tips to help you in the management of your diabetes:

• Meet your dietician and plan out a type 2 diabetes diet plan that suits your lifestyle.
• It is better you set yourself targets that are achievable.
• Exercise regularly.
• Monitor your blood glucose levels to find out if your exercise and diet approach is of help.  
• With the help of a calorie counter assess the fat, protein, and carbohydrate content of all the food you eat.
• Reduce your intake of saturated food.
Submitted by S M on February 28, 2011 at 05:18

 

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan 

Type 2 diabetes account for majority of diabetes. The risk factors for diabetes include advancing age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, sedentary lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. The insulin levels in the body is depressed, normal or depressed but it is inadequate to over come insulin resistance. People with this type of diabetes do not require exogenous insulin. This form of diabetes goes unnoticed in the early stage and hence may remain undiagnosed for many years.

The primary nutrition goals for such type of diabetics are to achieve and maintain normal glucose and lipid levels. Caloric restriction and moderate weight loss has found to be useful in diabetes control.Exercise, behavour modification of eating habits and psychological support are also important. It is also necessary to make better food choices, reduce the fat intake, adequate spacing of meals and spreading of nutrient intake throughout the day.

An adequate intake of carbohydrate is recommended. Grains, vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals and dietary fibre.Protein present in pulses and legumes are beneficial as compared to animal protein. Incorporation of olives, avocados and nuts are beneficial as it is rich in monounsaturated fats which can control the cholesterol levels. Regular check of the blood glucose is essential.

Submitted by A M on June 12, 2008 at 08:23

 

Read more questions in Food Nutrition
 
Log In Here Close