Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: Eating Healthy Foods

Having type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming. You may feel like there’s so much to learn and do to keep your diabetes under control. One of the most important things you can do is to eat healthy foods. Eating the right foods in the right amounts can help you manage your diabetes, feel good, and stay healthy.

Why Is Eating Healthy Important for Diabetes?

Eating healthy is an important part of managing diabetes. Healthy eating helps you:

• Keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible
• Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a healthy range
• Reduce your risk of diabetes complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or nerve damage
• Maintain your weight or lose weight if you need to
• Feel good and have more energy
• Prevent health problems, such as heart disease, some types of cancer, and bone and joint problems

What Are the Types of Healthy Eating for Diabetes?

There are two types of healthy eating patterns for people with diabetes:

• The Plate Method: This is an easy-to-remember approach to healthy eating for people with diabetes. The plate method helps you control your portion sizes. Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes. Fill one-fourth of your plate with a protein food, such as meat, poultry, or tofu. Fill the last one-fourth of your plate with a whole grain, such as whole wheat pasta or brown rice.
• The Exchange Method: This is a more detailed approach to healthy eating. You can use the exchange method to make meal plans that fit your tastes and lifestyle. With this method, you’ll choose foods from five food groups: starches, fruits, dairy, non-starchy vegetables, and meats and meat substitutes. You’ll also use the exchange method to show how much fat and protein you’re eating.

The Benefits of Eating Healthy for Diabetes

Eating healthy foods can help you:

• Control your blood sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce your risk of diabetes complications
• Feel better and have more energy
• Reduce your risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, and bone and joint problems

What Are Some Healthy Eating Tips for People With Diabetes?

When it comes to eating healthy foods with diabetes, there are some tips you can keep in mind:

• Eat 3 meals a day at regular times. This helps you better manage your blood sugar and weight.
• Choose foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Fiber helps keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
• Eat lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and beans. These foods can keep you feeling full for a longer time.
• Limit foods that are high in saturated fats, such as red meats and full-fat dairy products. Saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels.
• Limit foods that are high in added sugars, such as candy, cookies, and soda. Eating too much added sugar can increase your risk of health problems.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels and your liver’s ability to process sugar.

What Are Some Healthy Snacks for People With Diabetes?

If you’re looking for snacks that are healthy and good for your diabetes, try these:

• Low-fat yogurt with fruit
• A handful of nuts and dried fruit
• Whole wheat crackers and low-fat cheese
• A hard-boiled egg and whole wheat toast
• Air-popped popcorn
• Fruits and vegetables with low-fat dip
• Veggie sticks with hummus
• Whole wheat pita with hummus

What Are Some Tips for Eating Out With Diabetes?

Eating out can be a challenge for people with diabetes, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for eating out:

• Ask your server about healthy options. Most restaurants can prepare food without added fat or sugar.
• Choose grilled or baked foods instead of fried foods.
• Choose lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, or tofu.
• Order salads with dressing on the side.
• If you’re eating Italian, choose marinara sauce over cream-based sauces.
• If you’re eating Chinese, choose dishes with vegetables, such as stir-fry.
• If you’re eating Mexican, choose dishes with beans, such as burritos.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Limit desserts and fried sides, such as French fries.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People With Diabetes Make When Eating?

When it comes to eating healthy with diabetes, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:

• Skipping meals. Eating regular meals and snacks can help you keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
• Eating too much sugar. Eating too much added sugar can increase your risk of health problems.
• Eating too much fat. Eating too much saturated and trans fat can raise your cholesterol levels.
• Eating too many carbohydrates. Eating too many carbs can cause your blood sugar levels to spike.
• Eating too much sodium. Eating too much sodium can raise your blood pressure.
• Not drinking enough water. Drinking water can help your body stay hydrated and can help your cells work better.
• Not eating enough fiber. Eating enough fiber can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
• Not watching portion sizes. Eating too much of any food can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
• Eating too much processed food. Eating too much processed food can increase your risk of health problems.

Conclusion

Eating healthy is an important part of managing diabetes. Eating the right foods in the right amounts can help you keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of diabetes complications, and feel better. There are two types of healthy eating patterns for people with diabetes: the plate method and the exchange method. Knowing what and how much to eat, as well as which foods to avoid, can help you manage your diabetes and stay healthy.