Type two diabetes is a grave condition which could result in major disordersor ‘malfunctioning’ of the body. There is no cure yet. However it may be controlled by altering the major features of your lifestyle – diet and exercise. These changes include a healthy diet, healthy eating plans, and regular physical activity or exercise.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes 2 is the consequence of increased sugar (glucose) levels in the blood which happens after consuming many different types foods, but particularly poor simple/quality carbohydrates (from white flour, sugary sweets and in highly processed foods which possess little fibre; you require fibre in foods to help you slow down the quick!). The high levels of sugar in the blood stream circulate around the body causing damage to all the major organs of the body including eyes, heart, kidneys, blood circulation system (arteries) and your sex organs.
There are two different types of diabetes. This article is about Diabetes 2, the main type of diabetes. It can be diagnosed by performing the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). A person drinks 75 g of glucose in this test. Then following 2 hours, the blood sugar level is determined after a portion of blood is taken. A diagnosis of Diabetes is made when the findings are made of a blood glucose value of 200 mg/dl (11 mmol/l) or more.
Role of Diet:
You can certainly control Diabetes effectively with a good ‘diet plan’ which must include only minimal amounts of simple sugars (sweets) and simple carbohydrates (like white flour products). You now need to eat ‘complex’ carbohydrates such as wholegrain products (with plenty of fibre), vegetables (but not potatoes), beans and pulses (chickpeas, lentils and peas). Also, you need to change your eating habits by eating frequent smaller sized meals. This will mean there will be smaller rises in your blood sugar levels after eating smaller sized meals (instead of really big rises in blood glucose if you have only one or two really heavy (big) meals a day). So, you should eat more of fresh vegetables and fruits while reducing the intake of white flour (although brown (wholemeal) flour is good), reduce white rice (although wholegrain brown rice is good) and foods high in fat (especially those with a lot of trans and saturated fats!). Avoid the intake of excessive oil and try to use olive oil instead of other forms of oils. It is also advisable if you don’t have diabetes to follow this eating plan as it is healthy and may even prevent the onset of diabetes!
Lifestyle in Diabetes:
A healthy life style will surely help you to control Type ii diabetes and its serious complications.
Firstly, do regular exercise (you can easily walk 10-20 minutes a day) to keep yourself fit and active, and also to burn and help your body reduce the sugar (glucose) levels in your blood. As mentioned, you need to change your life style by changing your eating habits. Therefore, try for smaller portions by eating 6 six smaller meals a day, rather than three big meals a day. You should now decrease the following in your diet: simple carbohydrates, sugar and salt intake.
You will need to closely monitot your blood glucose readings constantly and minimise any large sudden jumps in blood sugar levels by not eating the wrong foods correctly and by keeping yourself fit, healthy and active. It would be very advisable to visit your doctor or dietician routinely, to discuss your blood glucose levels that you measure with home testing.
Exercise and Diabetes Control:
90 % of the individuals who have Type two Diabetes are over weight according to surveys. Consequently physical activity has a major role in the routine to prevent the onset of Diabetes 2, and even keeping diabetes in check, once you may get it. Physical activity assists in reaching and keeping a healthy, as well as keeping you fit and vital! Any sort of physical activity is satisfactory, and ideally performed with a timer (for 10 – 30 min) and slowly leading up to 30 min (per day), several (4-5 times per week). However, chat with your physician before you commence! Walking, jogging, swimming and yoga are good exercises to achieve the required level of physical activity to help you reduce your blood sugars!
Diabetes Prevention:
There is no permanent cure for Diabetes 2 but you can help prevent or control it by a good diet plan, regular exercise, medication (if required) and avoiding all types of stress (which can increase your blood sugars!). Therefore, consume a healthy and controlled diet with smaller portions, avoid stress, take any required medications and undertake physical activity to continue to lead a healthy life with Diabetes!