Millions of people around the world have been diagnosed with diabetes (but many others don’t even yet know they have it!). This condition has no cure but fortunately it can be controlled successfully with a little bit of attention and a little bit of hard work. This article is about Type 2 diabetes and it will surely guide you towards the important aspects of controlling this condition. After reading this article you will see that you can surely get on with your life’s daily activities and control your blood sugar levels with the help of a suggested diet plan and the introduction of physical activity and exercise.

Diabetes Education about type 2:

Diabetes is a condition in which there is an excess amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Diabetes is the result of high glucose in the blood which can occur after eating many different types foods, but especially poor quality carbohydrates (from white flour, sugary sweets, and from highly processed foods which contain little fibre; you need fibre in your foods to help slow down the rapid rate of sugar absorption from the intestines otherwise blood sugar levels will rise too quickly!).

There are different types of diabetes and this article will highlight Type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is confirmed with the help of a test called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). In this test the patient is provided with a drink having 75 grams of sugar (glucose). After a period of two hours, a blood sample is taken for examination of the blood glucose level. If the result is 11 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) or more, then a diagnosis Type 2 diabetes is confirmed.

Diet in Diabetes:

You can certainly control diabetes effectively with a diet and eating plan which must include only minimal amounts of simple sugars (sweets) and simple carbohydrates (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 frequently and eating smaller sized meals. This will mean that there are smaller rises in your blood sugar after these smaller 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 fresh fruits and vegetables while reducing the intake of white flour (although brown (wholemeal) flour is good), reducing white rice (although wholegrain brown rice is good) and reducing foods high in fat (especially with a lot of trans and saturated fats!). Avoid the intake of excessive oils and try to use olive oil instead of other forms of oils.

Even people who don’t have diabetes should follow this eating plan as it is healthy and may even prevent the onset of diabetes!

Lifestyle Changes:

A healthy lifestyle will surely help you to control 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. You also need to change your life style by modifying your eating habits. Eat smaller portions by dividing three big meals a day into six smaller ones. Alter your menu to include a smaller amounts of simple carbohydrates (like white flour, sugary sweets and white rice) and also include less sugar and salt intake as well.

Keep a check on your blood glucose levels regularly. Try to avoid any sudden large increases in your blood glucose by eating correctly and keeping yourself fit and healthy (by keeping active). Consult your dietitian and physician regularly with your blood sugar level records.

Your lifestyle plays a vital role in determining and controlling you blood sugar levels. So change your lifestyle by changing your meal quality and quantities. Eat smaller portions. Also try to reduce the amount of calories and the level of simple carbohydrates. And do regular exercise to keep yourself fit and active!

Role of Exercise in Diabetes:

90 % of the individuals who have Type 2 diabetes are over weight according to research surveys. So exercise has a great role to play in avoiding diabetes, or controlling it once you get it! Exercise will not only help you to maintain an ideal body weight but you will also gain the health benefits of being fit and active in life. Do regular exercise in any form, preferably to a time schedule (10, 20 or 30 min) and building up to 30 min a day, 4-5 times a week. But speak to your doctor before you begin any exercise plan! Walking, jogging, swimming and yoga are good exercises to help achieve the required level of physical activity to help you reduce your blood sugars!

Exercise will surely help you to control your cholesterol level and it will certainly also help you control your body weight.

Prevention of Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in 60 % of cases by simply altering your lifestyle by incorporating good habits such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining a close to ideal body weight and undertaking regular physical activity and exercise! So, eat a healthy and controlled diet with smaller portions, avoid stress (which can increase your blood sugars) take any of the required medications and do regular exercise to enjoy life with diabetes!