What Should The Diet For Type 2 Diabetics Be Like?

Although diabetes is a chronic disease, it can be treated with nutrition, adequate physical activity, and drug therapy. We should not focus our efforts solely on pharmaceuticals; the diet for type 2 diabetics is one of the pillars for the quality of life of these patients.

As we already know, diabetes is a condition that can arise because the body attacks itself and the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. Or it can develop through inappropriate lifestyles that, over time, alter hormone production and use.

Considering that diabetes can manifest itself in different ways, we must be clear that type 2 is the most common form of the disease, being associated with excessive accumulation of abdominal fat, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Diet for Type 2 Diabetics

It should be taken into account that proper nutrition is one of the fundamental pillars in the treatment of this disease. We are not only looking to lose weight, but also to control blood glucose and prevent future complications.

We should not forget that those who developed type 2 diabetes have alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

As a first measure, we seek to reduce caloric intake to try to normalize weight. Furthermore, the fractioning of the amount of food is essential. According to Fundación Española del Corazón , the ideal is to have 5 meals a day. That is, breakfast, lunch and dinner, adding two snacks between those meals.

Establish a mealtime

Determining schedules that suit each one is what will allow you to fulfill the day’s diet. The goal is to avoid going too many hours without eating, thus maintaining normal blood sugar levels. In this way, we also avoid hypoglycemia.

In some people, for whom glucose alteration is very complicated, it is convenient to add an evening snack.

Also read: Type 2 diabetes: what is it and what are its causes?

Taking care of carbohydrate intake

The focus should be directed to the types of carbohydrates consumed, as they are essential in controlling blood glucose, as they determine up to 50% of the glycemic response.

Whole grains, pulses and tubers are considered the main sources of carbohydrates in the diet. They are not only high in starch but also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. The ideal portion is a quarter of the plate.

In relation to fruits, the current recommendation is to increase consumption, selecting those with a low glycemic index and, whenever possible, consume them with the skin, as this is where the fiber is.

Prevent glucose levels from falling

As already mentioned, the drop in glucose can occur at any time, so it is advisable to always have some food available, such as fruits or sweets. It should be consumed when the patient detects a drop in blood glucose.

Carbohydrate counting is an extremely effective tool in prevention and should be handled with the advice of a professional.

Foods to Include in the Diet for Type 2 Diabetics

In addition to those already mentioned, you can consume:

• Vegetables : should occupy half of the plate.
• Dairy products : give preference to those with a low fat content and no sugar, or with the right sweeteners.
• Lean meats, eggs and cheese.
• Seeds, oilseeds and oils.
• Canned products : no added sugar.
• Jams and sweets : with allowed sweeteners.

Hydration

One aspect that should not be overlooked is hydration. In general, people with diabetes suffer from polyuria (increased urine output), so it is essential to drink water throughout the day.

Drinks without sugar, and infusions such as tea, mate or coffee are also allowed, as long as they are sweetened with the permitted sweeteners. Occasionally fruit juices can be drunk but diluted with water.

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What should be avoided?

• Alcohol: for having a high hypoglycemic power, especially when we ingest it without consuming food.

• Cigarettes : Cigarettes are bad for everyone, but changes in blood and blood vessels in diabetics can have long-term consequences.
• Excess salt : let’s not forget that, just like cigarettes, sodium can increase blood pressure.

Programmed Food as the Key in Diet for Type 2 Diabetics

In conclusion, programmed feeding is one of the pillars of the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Without it, it is difficult to maintain metabolic control, even with the use of hypoglycemic agents. In many cases, along with physical exercise, this is the only therapeutic measure.