What is the ideal type 2 diabetes diet?

What is the ideal type 2 diabetes diet?

Diet is an important part of a type 2 diabetes treatment plan. Depending on the diabetes diagnosis and the current diet plan, one might need to make minor changes to the diet or a complete revamping of the same.

The right diet for type 2 Diabetes
The ideal diet for type 2 diabetes includes more fiber and less fatty and refined foods. There aren’t many difficult diet adjustments that people with type 2 diabetes need to make. The diet plan is easy to follow. But yes, one needs to be careful about what you eat.

Foods to eat –

  • Whole grains – whole wheat, barley, quinoa, wild rice, wheat bran, brown rice.
  • Fruits – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, citrus fruits.
  • Vegetables – leafy greens, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus and any non-starchy ones.
  • Vegetarian protein – legumes (try different beans, lentils, and peas), nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans (in moderation).
  • Animal protein – salmon, tuna, herring and sardines.
  • Healthy fats – peanut oil, olive oil, flaxseeds, avocados (all in moderation).
  • Dairy – low-fat plain yogurt, low-fat milk.

Foods to avoid –

  • Refined flour
  • Processed foods
  • Full-fat milk and other dairy products
  • White rice, pasta
  • Red meat
  • Starchy vegetables
  • Sugar-rich beverages
  • Trans fats
  • Saturated fats
  • Salty foods
  • Fried foods

Other tips –

  • For treatment of type 2 diabetes, eating on time is also important. If one doesn’t eat on time, the blood sugar levels can drop.
  • Include different types of foods in the diet for maximum benefits.
  • Eat less salt. Type 2 diabetes can raise your risk of high blood pressure. So moderate the salt intake.
  • Add fiber to the diet but ensure that you don’t eat it in excess. Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease. So, maintain a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol in check.
  • Avoid overeating.

Along with a healthy diet, one needs to exercise regularly to control the blood sugar. Otherwise, the type 2 diabetes treatment may not work well. It is possible to manage the condition without any diabetes medication with just the right diet and exercise plan.