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How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Healthy Food and Lifestyle Changes to Treat Diabetes

Jan 19, 2010 Noreen Kassem

Diabetes can occur due to genetics and lifestyle. However, in many cases of type 2 or adult onset diabetes, this disease can be controlled and even prevented.

Some types of diabetes cannot be prevented, however in many individuals with type 2 diabetes key lifestyle changes and early diagnosis can prevent, delay or control diabetes to reduce its impact. Although there is currently no cure for diabetes, the condition can be effectively treated and managed by careful and regular maintenance.

There is no single approach for all diabetics; however, nutritional therapy, exercise and weight maintenance will improve the health of all individuals. Others may also require medications which help lower blood-glucose and/or insulin injections.

Early and consistent changes to improve lifestyle will help to prevent damage and complications from diabetes. These include: achieving a healthy weight and maintaining it, exercising regularly, not smoking and avoiding second hand smoke, eating regular, balanced meals and having cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked and maintained at normal levels.

Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) can also treated and controlled through proper nutrition, weight control and a healthy lifestyle. If these measures are not sufficient a physician may also prescribe insulin injections, since oral anti-diabetic drugs cannot be taken during pregnancy.

What to do after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes:

take medication as prescribed
monitor blood glucose regularly as recommended by a doctor
take care of the feet and lower legs by examining the skin for redness and sores
visit the doctor and dentist regularly
see an eye specialist as recommended
consult a dietitian and follow a strict, balanced diet plan
keep an active lifestyle and exercise regularly

Fasting Can Be Beneficial for Diabetics

The physiological benefits of fasting include reduced blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure levels. Studies show that fasting may improve medical conditions and cleanse body systems. In diabetics with good health and controlled blood sugar levels, fasting does not in worsen baseline medical conditions. However, individuals who are suffering from severe, uncontrolled disease, whether it is diabetes, heart disease or other ailments are not required to fast against the recommendations of their physician. If individuals with diabetes are able to fast it is still important to monitor blood glucose levels stringently and follow a careful nutrition plan.

Dietary Recommendations and Remedies

Although sugary foods give a quick burst of energy, the effects are short and temporary. A sugar rush is followed by a fast and long dip in energy and stamina, causing fatigue and low energy. Sugar also adds empty calories, which can lead to weight gain, and is the cause of a bevy of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Also watch for sugar that is added to unexpected foods such as ketchup, protein bars and energy drinks. A 250 ml bottle of energy drink contains approximately 27mg of sugar, only slightly less than the equivalent size can of pop.

A Healthy Diet Reduces Diabetic Risks

A healthy and specific diet is imperative for the health of a diabetic. The right nutrition along with exercise and medications as prescribed by a doctor, can reduce or eliminate diabetic symptoms and risks such as heart disease, kidney disease, glaucoma and leg ulcers. Food recommendations for diabetics include:

Increase fiber and complex carbohydrates in your diet such as oatmeal, bran, barley, legumes, beans and lentils.
Avoid simpler carbohydrates such as white breads, white rice and potatoes.
Add more fresh fruit and vegetable to your diet, up to 5 or 6 cups a day.
Include onion, garlic and ginger in your diet.
Avoid all simple sugars in sweets, deserts, snacks, sauces and baked goods.
Avoid saturated fats and trans fatty acids, such as those in fried foods, fatty red meats and margarine.
Increase omega-3 fatty acids by adding foods such as olive oil, salmon, herring, halibut, mackerel and flax seed to your diet.
Avoid highly processed and canned foods.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often turn to natural and food remedies to curb their need for medications and insulin. In India, Pakistan, the West Indies and China, the fruit of the bitter melon (or karela, as it is called in South Asia) is commonly used to help diabetics to curb their glucose tolerance.

Reference:

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology Eleventh Edition

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The copyright of the article How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes in General Medicine is owned by Noreen Kassem. Permission to republish How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Fiber Helps to Balance Glycemic Index