Diet of type 2 diabetes is part of the treatment. Physical exercise and medication are some of the keys to achieve successful results in glycemic control.
Although diabetes is a chronic disease, a patient can take treatment with adequate nutrition, consistent physical activity, and pharmacotherapy. We must not just focus our efforts on medicines. It can’t present in genetics.
Diabetes is a pathology, which can appear because the body attacks itself and the pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin. It can develop through inappropriate lifestyles that alter the production and use of the hormone.
Diabetes can obvious in different ways. we must be clear that type 2 is the most common form of the disease. It is associated with excessive accumulation of abdominal fat, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Diet in diabetes
It seems to us in mind that correct nutrition is one of the vital pillars to treat this disease. We are not only looking for weight loss, but also glycemic control and the prevention of future complications. People must not forget type 2 diabetes person has an alteration in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
As a first measure, patients can seek the reduction of calories to try to normalize the weight. In addition to this, the fractionation of food is essential. According to the American Heart Association, the ideal is to eat 5 meals a day. In other words, make breakfast, lunch, and dinner, adding two snacks between these meals.
Set a diet plan
Implementing a diet plan that adjusts to each one is what will allow you to meet the diet of the day. The goal of this is to avoid going many hours without eating, thus maintaining normal blood sugar levels. We also prevent hypoglycemia. Glucose disturbance is very complicated and it is convenient to add a night snack.
Caring for carbohydrates
The focus should be directed towards the type of carbohydrates consumed. They are fundamental in glycemic control since they determine up to 50% of the glycemic response.
Whole grains, legumes, and tubers are the main sources of carbohydrates in the diet. Not only are they high in starch, but they also contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Its ideal portion is a quarter of the plate.
Regarding fruit, the current recommendation is to increase consumption. Those who have a low glycemic index consume them with their peel, not forgetting where the fiber is.
Avoid glucose drop
As we already mentioned, the glucose drop can appear at any time. So, it is advisable to always have some food available, such as fruit or candy. Patients should consume when they detect that they are having a glycemic drop. The count of carbohydrates is a highly effective tool to prevent.
Foods included in the type 2 diabetes diet
You can consume:
- Vegetables: It must take half of the plate.
- Dairy: Without sugars or with suitable sweeteners, preferring low-fat ones.
- Take lean meats, eggs, and cheese.
- Take seeds, nuts, and oils.
- Canned products: No added sugar.
- Jams and sweets: With allowed sweeteners.
Hydration
One aspect, which should not be neglected, is hydration. In general, people with diabetes suffer from polyuria (An increase in the amount of urine). So, it is essential to drink water throughout the day.
Patients can consume beverages, free of sugars, infusions such as tea, mate, or coffee. Occasionally, it may consume fruit drinks diluted with water.
What to avoid?
Alcohol: It has high hypoglycemic power, especially when they do not consume food.
Tobacco: Since it is not only damages anyone, but in diabetics, alterations in the blood and blood vessels can have long-term consequences.
Excess Salt: Let’s not forget that, like tobacco, it can increase blood pressure.
Diet plan as a key
In conclusion, a diet plan is one of the keys to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Without it, it is difficult to achieve metabolic control, even when patients use hypoglycemic drugs. In many cases, together with exercise, it is the only therapeutic measure.
