Preventing type 2 diabetes with food
What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder which usually begins in adolescence or adulthood and it is characterized by insufficient level of insulin produced by pancreas. This illness can lead to many serious conditions and problems, such as kidney failure, loss of eyesight, damage of nerves and amputation due to poor blood flow.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes is caused by several factors, which can act separately or combined. Lifestyle is one of the main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, and it includes wrong diet and insufficient physical activity. Genetics plays a role in developing this illness as well, and several other medical conditions can also lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity is also one of the risk factors, and overweight and obese people fall into a risk group for developing type 2 diabetes.
Preventing and reversing type 2 diabetes
Even though type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, the good news is that it can be prevented and even reversed in a variety of ways. What it takes is healthy lifestyle, enough physical activity and using proper medication. Controlled diet is one of the important factors for preventing and reversing type 2 diabetes, and it can largely influence the quality of life of people who suffer from this condition.
Preventing type 2 diabetes with food
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are largely connected. Therefore, preventing obesity and staying healthy will help you prevent developing this serious illness.
What to eat
While genetic factors are not something you can change, you sure can change your lifestyle and choose healthier diet. In order to prevent type 2 diabetes, you should eat whole grain and whole grain products, and choose food with low-saturated fat such as nuts and seeds. Choose poultry and fish instead of red meat, and eat plenty fresh fruit and vegetables.
What to avoid
Just like when you want to lose or maintain weight, you should avoid taking sugar in large quantities. This does not only mean you should cut back on cakes and sweets, but you should also avoid sugary drinks, sweetened coffee drinks and food rich in carbs. Also avoid deep fried food, which contains too much saturated fat, as well as processed food rich in sodium.
Reversing type 2 diabetes with food
At its early stage, type 2 diabetes can be reversed by a combination of controlled diet, physical activity and medication. While losing weight in case of obesity can be one of the important steps towards reversing type 2 diabetes, sticking with the proper diet can help you solve the problem completely.
What to eat
Diet rich in natural fiber can help optimize levels of blood sugar, which is why you should eat fresh vegetables, berries and nuts. Chromium is another important factor for fighting type 2 diabetes, and eating broccoli, green beans and raw cheese can help you take enough of this element on daily basis.
What to avoid
All kinds of sugars should be avoided at all costs, including honey, maple syrup, and not to mention refined sugar. Instead, you can switch to stevia. Cow’s milk is also to be avoided, as well as alcohol and all drinks containing sugar. All hydrogenated oils should be removed from the diet, as well as deep fried food and food rich in carbohydrates (which includes even certain kinds of fruit).