In our society, one of the most common diseases is diabetes. There are two forms of this common disease: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 must be controlled with a supply of insulin. On the other hand, you can control type 2 diabetes with proper nutrition.
Today, we decided to tell you how to use your diet to control type 2 diabetes. So, if you suffer from this condition or if you have a family history, pay attention to what we’re about to say.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
This condition is where the pancreas stops producing a hormone called insulin.
Since the body has no insulin, the patient needs an artificial supply of it. According to various studies, this type of diabetes is genetic, so you can’t prevent it.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes also involves insulin insufficiency. However, there is still some insulin. That is, the body makes insulin, but not the right amount.
In addition, the body could also produce a lot of insulin, but it doesn’t work properly.
Insulin and Glucose
You may have noticed that we have mentioned insulin several times. This is because this hormone has a very important role in your health because of what it does with glucose.
When you eat, part of your food is converted to glucose. This is a very important process for your body, since glucose is your main source of energy.
Insulin allows glucose to reach the cells that need it. When you lack insulin, all that glucose stays in the blood, causing health problems.
Control Type 2 Diabetes
Types 1 and 2 diabetes are very different, mainly because in type 1, there is no insulin at all. In type 2, there is insulin, but it’s just not enough.
Therefore, the only way to control type 1 diabetes is with a supply of insulin. This doesn’t happen with type 2, where you can actually regulate it in other ways.
This doesn’t mean that insulin-dependent people don’t have to watch their diet, and it doesn’t mean that type 2 patients don’t need to take medication. Often, it’s necessary.
It simply means that proper nutrition can play a critical role to control type 2 diabetes. Pay close attention.
How to Control Type 2 Diabetes
Beware of Glucose
It’s a mistake to think that your blood sugar levels only rise when you eat sweets. Glucose forms because some foods you eat convert into this substance, even when they aren’t sweets.
It’s important to clarify this because many people living with type 2 diabetes think that by not eating sweets, they don’t risk raising their blood sugar anymore. However, that’s not true. You should know that carbohydrates also increase glucose levels.
Eat Complex Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates turn into sugar in the blood, you can’t stop eating them. The fact that you suffer from Type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean that you should eliminate any food group.
What you should do is look for the best foods of each food group, depending on your condition. For carbs, it’s better to eat complex ones than simple ones.
In other words, it’s better to eat brown rice, whole grains, vegetables and grains instead of pasta, flour, jams and packaged cereals.
Don’t Use Too Many Sweeteners
It’s important to avoid eating too much sugar since it directly affects your blood glucose levels. However, we know that you want to eat foods that taste sweet. Therefore, you can use sweeteners.
However, there’s research stating that sweeteners could have some negative side effects. Therefore, you should use them with moderation so they don’t harm your health.
Eat Protein
Proteins have the same effect as carbohydrates. That is, they don’t turn into glucose. Therefore, you can eat lots of protein without being afraid of changing your blood sugar.
Beware of Fat
Fats don’t turn into glucose. However, they do increase cholesterol levels.
This can make things even worse if you’re diabetic. Therefore, it’s very important to improve your diet.
Insulin Absorbents
Eat products that help you absorb insulin better. Not only should you eliminate what turns into glucose, but you should also try to make the insulin that you produce better. In that sense, you can eat coconut oil, mushrooms, and cinnamon.
As you can see, there are many foods that affect diabetes that you probably never realized. Always check with your doctor about what kind of diet you should follow.
Via: EverydayHealth | WebMD | DietDoctor
