Understanding Type 2 Diabetes When it Comes to Diet

Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce or use insulin properly. It can thankfully, in many instances, be controlled with diet and exercise. However, it is important to understand how these work together to help manage the disease. Also, to realize what is out there to help you. This can include a diabetic meal replacement shake. Managing diabetes is a lot easier than it used to be.

Knowing How to Manage Your Diet

Diet is key when it comes to controlling type 2 diabetes. Eating the right foods can help you to maintain a healthy weight, have more energy, and stabilize your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is stable, you are less likely to experience the highs and lows that can come with type 2 diabetes. The best way to control your blood sugar is to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This helps to keep your metabolism going and prevents your blood sugar from dropping too low.

Foods to Eat More Of

  • Whole grains. Include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice.
  • Lean protein. Choose lean sources of protein such as chicken, fish, and tofu.
  • Healthy fats. Include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
  • Herbs and spices. Add flavor to your food with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Foods to Avoid

  • Refined carbohydrates. These include white bread, pastries, and candy.
  • Simple sugars. These include table sugar, honey, and syrup.
  • Trans fats. They can be found in fried food, processed food, and margarine.
  • Alcohol Limit. Your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day.

Including a Meal Replacement Shake In Your Diet

A meal replacement shake can help you to control type 2 diabetes by providing you with all of the nutrients that you need in one meal. It is important to find a shake that is high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. A shake like this will help you to maintain a healthy weight, have more energy, and stabilize your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar stable is the key to successfully managing diabetes.

One of the good things about diabetic shakes or replacement meal shakes is that they take care of your diet for you in respect of managing the condition of type 2 diabetes. Always consult a medical practitioner about your diabetes but, at the same time, look for ways you can better manage your diabetes yourself. This will make things more convenient day to day and likely lower the number of health appointments that you need. 

As well as shakes, think about the foods that you should and should not be eating, as talked about above. Some foods are good for diabetes, while others are best to just avoid completely if you can avoid the temptation of them. Consider also, that all foods eaten in moderation as being the way to a balanced diet. You just have to think about the balance a little more carefully when you are a diabetic. Type 2 diabetes is not the end of the world, albeit making shopping a little harder. It is entirely manageable without disrupting your life too much. 

To conclude, type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet. It is important to consult a doctor to create a plan that will work for you, but some general tips can help get you started. Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large meals, avoiding processed foods and sugars, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are all good ways to start managing type 2 diabetes through diet. As well, consider replacement meal shakes specifically designed for those with type 2 diabetes.