Type 2 diabetes is a serious illness and is usually accompanied with arthritis, however, it can be managed. An important way to manage prediabetes and type 2 diabetes [1] is through a healthy balanced diet. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your doctor will most likely refer you to a dietician who will discuss the effects of certain foods on your condition. Being mindful of carbohydrate intake, eating smaller meals regularly, and choosing healthy, nutrient-dense options can all help a person manage the risks health experts associate with diabetes.
Eating a balanced diet is a very effective way to manage type 2 diabetes and also a precaution to help prevent prediabetes [2] from becoming type 2 diabetes.
With the help of a dietician, you can make a grocery list of healthy foods. This way you manage your condition and render whatever drugs you are using more effective.
In this article, we will discuss the different foods to eat and not to eat if you have type 2 diabetes, in order to manage your condition.
Type 2 Diabetes: Foods to Eat
There are specific foods that you’ll be advised to eat if you have type 2 diabetes. With the help of your dietician, there are different eating patterns and diets to meet your health needs.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you should eat a diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods, which can help provide the fiber, vitamins, [3] and minerals that your body needs.
Foods that are good for your heart’s health are highly recommended, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. [4] These can help reduce your cholesterol levels to support heart health.
Fiber-rich foods are also very good and should be added to your diet. Fiber-rich food can enhance blood sugar management and help keep you feeling fuller for longer to help prevent eating when you’re not hungry.
It is important that your diet is sustainable and easy to follow. Diet plans that are overly restrictive or don’t fit your lifestyle can be much harder to stick with in the long run.
Here are some nutritious foods that your diet should include to help if you have type 2 diabetes:
- Fruits (apples, oranges, berries, melons, pears, peaches).
- Vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini).
- Whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice, farro).
- Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas).
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, cashews).
- Seeds (chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds).
- Protein-rich foods (skinless poultry, seafood, lean cuts of red meat, tofu, tempeh).
- Heart-healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, canola oil, sesame oil).
- Beverages (water, black coffee, unsweetened tea, vegetable juice).