How to Manage Blood Sugar through Diet Control with Type 2 Diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be devastating. Diabetes is a serious disease with no cure, however, it is treatable and those who have it have the ability to lead healthy, normal lives. When you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to understand that it can cause devastating and potentially life threatening illnesses if not treated properly; therefore, it is necessary that you are willing to make lifestyle changes. Aside from exercise and medication, it is possible to manage your blood sugar levels through diet control.

Most people are generally raised on three square meals per day with a snack in between; however, it is recommended for type 2 diabetics to eat six smaller meals throughout the day, allowing room for snacks that fit within their daily allotted amount of food. Many physicians recommend that their diabetic patients speak with a nutritionist to make healthy choices in regards to what specific foods should be consumed, and he or she will assist you in planning a low carbohydrate diet, as well as monitoring your blood sugar to help regulate the disease.

Sugar, starch, and dietary fiber are the three main types of carbohydrates. Sugar and starch are what increases the glucose in the blood, and dietary fiber is a necessity for our bodies. Grains, beans, fruits, and dairy products all have carbohydrates, so be sure to consult your physician to discuss the right amount of carbohydrates for you. A low carbohydrate diet is important since carbohydrates can increase the glucose levels in the blood. The normal blood sugar range runs between 70 to 140 mg/dl. The glucose levels assume a higher reading just after consuming a meal, and go down as time passes. Diet control is essential to managing these levels and to live healthy with type 2 diabetes.

The following is a list of recommended food for type 2 diabetics:

Vegetables with higher fiber content are recommended, especially when eaten raw, since fiber content does not allow fats and blood glucose to deposit in the blood flow. The micro level fiber molecules flush out the saturated fats and glycogenic bonds as waste products from the body and consequently lower blood sugar levels.

Beans, particularly kidney beans and soy beans, are rich in protein and low in starch which aids in reducing diabetes urine sugar.

Onions, raw or cooked, is another healthy choice since they reduce the sugar levels in blood. The more onions are eaten, the faster it helps lower blood sugar.
Fruits that contain nuts, such as guava and red grapes, are good sources for controlling blood sugar. The amino acids in fruits help lowers blood glucose.
Meats, which include beef, pork, and poultry, are essential to eating healthy and managing blood sugar levels. Seafood is especially healthy and should be eaten often.

The following is a list of foods to avoid for type 2 diabetics:

Food with increased sodium salt will flag up your blood pressure and is relatively bad for your health. Instead, try to eat non-sodium or low sodium foods, making sure to avoid chips, crackers, canned foods like soups and sardines, and processed or preserved meat products.
Fats are highly harmful in causing cardiovascular diseases for diabetics. It is advised to consume low-fat food only, avoiding dairy products like cheese, butter cakes, and solid vegetable fats since all of these foods contain saturated fats. Chicken preparation with skin should also be avoided.

Butter and margarine should be replaced by canola or olive oil. Choose skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, and yogurt instead of milk products with full cream.

Fried foods are prepared by being dipped in oil or butter which can add a harmful coating to your cardiovascular system. Instead, prepare foods by either boiling or baking.
Sugars can increase blood sugar levels and should always be limited. Avoid chocolate and cake or any other sweetened treats, as well as soft drinks and fruit juices as they contain high sugar content.

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