There is a ton of contradicting information available on what the recommended food habits for a person that has type 2 diabetes are. The medical community unanimously agrees that food habits can greatly influence the symptoms and rate of advancement in type 2 diabetes, so finding out what is accurate is very important. Many things have changed around food habits needed to manage type 2 diabetes.
New Food Habits for Type 2 Diabetics
The good news is that the American Diabetes Association's recommendations for type 2 diabetes are no different from the healthy food habits recommended for the mainstream population. The mandate to eat more vegetables, whole grains, and fruits while cutting down on the trans and saturated fats is universal, not just for type 2 diabetics. Doctors have stopped advising extremely stringent low-fat menus to a certain extent.
Moderate amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fats are now being incorporated. Radical diets are being replaced with programs of small sustainable changes in food habits.
Everyone connects these two words: diabetes and glucose. Lately though, diabetes management is beginning to focus less on glucose control and more on blood pressure and cholesterol control. The strong relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease has been established.
In the past, diabetics were concerned with the impact the disease would have on eyesight and kidneys but that is not what doctors are concerned about today. It is far more likely that heart and blood vessel problems will be the primary issues diabetics will have to deal with.
What Type of Food should Type 2 Diabetics Eat?
Multiple snacks and having to adhere to scheduled mealtimes are one of the food habits of the past for type 2 diabetics. The need to snack is gone, due to improved medications and glucose meters. This freedom is appreciated by the diabetics that fought the double edged sword of needing to eat often and trying to reduce their weight. Overeating was a common struggle.
The taboo of eating sweets has been lifted! Sweets still have to be consumed with caution due to the high calorie count and fat content but the search for sugarless candies and baked goods is no longer required. Desserts are back on the menu for type 2 diabetes patients.
Alcohol consumption is still somewhat complicated for those with type 2 diabetes. Many diabetes medications react with alcohol and raise the likelihood of hypoglycemia. The decision of whether to drink or not has to be based on each individual’s general health, their diabetes management plan and what medications they are on.
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Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
Focusing on Physical Activity for Diabetics
References:
Harvard School of Public Health
American Diabetes Association
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