subject: Learning to Cope With the Limitations Necessarily Imposed by a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes [print this page] Learning to cope with the limitations necessarily imposed by a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can be frustrating. Not only does the newly diagnosed diabetic feel remorse for having to give up favorite foods and drinks, there are questions that need to be answered.
1. How do you know what to eat and what not to eat?
2. How many calories per day should the diabetic eat?
3. Can Type 2 Diabetes be controlled only by diet, or is insulin necessary?
4. What blood glucose levels are normal?
These and other questions are normal for the newly diagnosed diabetic.
1. According to the Diabetic Food Pyramid, diabetics can eat starches, vegetables, fruits, meats and meat substitutes, and milk products. However, these must be eaten in reasonable portions. By monitoring blood glucose levels before and after meals, you can determine which foods you should avoid. Fats and sweets should be avoided or extremely limited. Learndiabetic cooking to improve your blood glucose levels.
2. Diabetics should strive to eat the appropriate number of calories each day, taking care to eat the recommended servings. Most small to medium-sized women should have between 1,200 and 1,600 calories each day, spread over four to six meals, depending on the recommendation of your health care professional. Large women wishing to lose weight and small to medium-sized men should eat between 1,600 and 2,000 calories per day. Large men and women should limit calories to 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day. Health care professionals such as doctors and dietitians can help you determine which level you should consume.
3. Depending on the severity and progression of the diabetes, it may be controlled by diet. It is important to learn about low glycemic foods that take longer to digest and do not raise blood sugar as much as similar high glycemic foods. For instance, a sweet potato will not raise your blood sugar as quickly or as high as a white potato. Knowing the glycemic index of foods and choosing foods accordingly will help control your diabetes. That said, diet is seldom enough by itself. At the very least, you should do some mild exercise, such as walking or biking. The proper diet and exercise will help reduce the likelihood that you will need insulin. Eventually, insulin may be necessary, but this is a subject you should discuss with your doctor to ensure you are getting the proper treatment for your condition.
4. Target blood glucose levels for people with diabetes are determined according to the timing of meals. Before meals and first thing in the morning, blood glucose levels should be 70 to 130. One or two hours after starting a meal, the blood glucose levels should be less than 180. It is important to check your levels often and record them, so that your doctor can more effectively treat your diabetes.
Learning to manage and control your diabetes is important. It is equally important to learn diabetic cooking techniques. As always, consult your medical professional for information and diagnosis.
Learning to Cope With the Limitations Necessarily Imposed by a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
