Diet For Type 2 Diabetes, Nutrients To Include
One of the most common diseases in our society is diabetes. There are two forms of this disease. Type 1 must necessarily be kept under control by administering insulin. Type 2, on the other hand, requires a certain power supply. In this article, we tell you about the right diet for type 2 diabetes.
We bring you all the details related to the type 2 diabetes diet . If you suffer from this condition or have a family history, pay attention to the data that we present below.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
The pancreas stops producing a hormone called insulin.
In this state of insulin non-existence, the subject necessarily requires the artificial administration of the aforementioned substance. According to various researches, this type of diabetes has a genetic character, therefore it cannot be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is also characterized by insulin insufficiency, but not total. In other words, the hormone is produced, but not in the right quantities.
It can also happen, however, that the body produces insulin in abundance, but it does not work properly.
Insulin and glucose
You may have noticed that we have mentioned insulin on several occasions. This hormone plays a very important role in our health due to its joint work with glucose.
Insulin allows glucose to reach the cells that need it. In the event of an insulin deficiency, all of this glucose remains in the blood causing various health problems.
Keep diabetes under control
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ, mainly, in the following: in the first, insulin production does not occur, while in the second it occurs, but it is insufficient.
Consequently, type 1 diabetes cannot be controlled except by administering insulin. This does not happen with type 2, in fact some dietary measures can be adopted.
This does not mean that insulin addicts do not have to pay attention to their diet or that people with type 2 diabetes should not take medicines: in many cases they are necessary.
It simply means that a right diet for type 2 diabetes can be essential to keep this disease under control.
Features of the diet for type 2 diabetes
Beware of glucose
It is a mistake to think that blood sugar levels only rise when you eat sweets. Glucose is produced because some foods we consume are transformed into this substance, even when it is not sweets.
It’s important to point this out, because many people with type 2 diabetes believe that if they stop eating candy, they will no longer run the risk of their blood sugar levels rising. It is not so. You should know that the consumption of carbohydrates also causes an increase in glucose levels.
Eat complex carbohydrates
Even though carbohydrates turn into blood sugar, we can’t stop eating them. Having type 2 diabetes does not mean that you have to eliminate this group of nutrients.
What you have to do, however, is to look for the best foods of each food group according to the pathology suffered. In the case of carbohydrates, it is better to opt for complex ones rather than simple ones.
In other words, it is better to consume rice, pasta and whole grains instead of refined flours and grains.
Don’t overdo it with sweeteners
It is important to avoid sugar consumption, as it has a direct effect on blood glucose levels. However, it is normal to want to eat sweet tasting foods every now and then. For this purpose, sweeteners can be added.
There is, however, a heated debate regarding the possible side effects of sweeteners. For this reason, they should be consumed in moderation, so as to prevent further health problems.
Eat proteins
Proteins do not have the same effect as carbohydrates, i.e. they do not turn into glucose. Therefore, these are nutrients that can be fearlessly included in the diet for type 2 diabetes.
Beware of fats
Not even fats turn into glucose. However, cholesterol levels increase, which can worsen your health if you are diabetic.
It is therefore very important to reduce its consumption in the diet for type 2 diabetes.
Foods to absorb insulin
When you have type 2 diabetes, it is important to consume all foods that promote proper insulin absorption.
You must not only eliminate those that turn into glucose, but also those that improve the function of the insulin produced. In this sense, it is possible to include coconut oil, mushrooms and cinnamon.
Many foods that we normally consume can make your condition worse if you have diabetes. Always remember to consult your doctor about the right type 2 diabetes diet.