Diet Guidelines for People with Type-2 Diabetes

If you or someone you love is living with type-2 diabetes, then you already know how important it is to make healthy lifestyle changes because of the condition. For pre-diabetics—people who have been identified as borderline diabetic and are at increased risk of developing type 2-diabetes—following a proper diet is a crucial part of preventing that full-fledged diagnosis. If excess weight is also a factor, carefully monitoring of dietary habits can help shed pounds—even a small amount of weight loss can help reduce the risk of diabetes.

A high-fiber diet may be the key. The American Diabetes Association suggests that people at who are at high risk for the development of type-2 diabetes eat a diet high in fiber (about 14 grams fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed) and foods made with whole-grains.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your dietary goals should be to:

* Get your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Type-1 diabetics and type-2 diabetics who are taking insulin or oral medications must schedule their calorie intake with medication or insulin administration, physical activity, and other variables to keep blood glucose levels under control.

* Maintain weight within a reasonable, healthy range. Overweight and obese patients with type-2 diabetes who are not taking medication should work towards consuming a diet that controls both their weight and their glucose levels. A “reasonable” weight is usually defined as what is achievable and sustainable, rather than one that is culturally defined as desirable or ideal. Be careful not to cut too many calories, especially if the diabetic is a child, pregnant, or recovering from illness or dealing with another health condition.

* Keep cholesterol levels under control. People with type22 diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease. A well-balanced diet low in saturated fats will help to protect the heart, achieve healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and control blood pressure.

General dietary guidelines for diabetes recommend:

* 20 to 35 percent of daily calories from healthy fat sources, such as: Monosaturated (avocados, nuts, and canola, olive, and peanut oils) and omega-3 (fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts) fats. Saturated fats, such as those found in butter and red meats, should make up no more than 7 percent of daily caloric intake, and trans-fats, such as those found in fried foods and commercially baked goods are best avoided and limited to less than one percent of calories.

* 45 to 65 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are the healthiest choices. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is important for diabetics, who should count their carbs daily or use a meal planning exchange list to determine amounts.
   
* 12 to 20 percent of daily calories from protein.  Fish, soy products, and poultry are better protein choices than red meat, which contains excess, unhealthy fat that can raise cholesterol levels.

The exact type of diet a diabetic should follow depends on individual needs, so be sure to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to determine the amount of calories and kind of nutrients you need to stay healthy.