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Managing Your DiabetesControlling diabetes is all about keeping control of our blood glucose levels. The problems of diabetes are caused when your control slips. |
Managing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet
The aim of diet plan in managing type 2 diabetes
The aims of the treatments for type 2 diabetes are focused on optimising quality of life. With accurate information, experience and a good support system any individual can learn good strategies for managing type 2 diabetes with diet being central to planning a course of action to help prevent acute and chronic complications. The priorities and objectives of individual care plans will vary with the circumstances of the patient. 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. It is for this reason that diet which is the mainstay of management if often first line therapy on diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Learning to count carbohydrates and calories and adherence to dietary recommendations are some of the most important steps in managing type 2 diabetes. The actual amount of carbohydrates needed by the body varies from individual to individual and depends on age, weight, activity levels, treatment and general health. However, an individualised diabetes type 2 diet plan will take all of these factors into account into the final diet sheet.
Devising a diet plan in type 2 diabetes
The first step in type 2 diabetes management is access to a State Registered Dietician as education is a key component of every treatment programme for type 2 diabetes. Many people eat unsuitable foods because of ignorance rather than craving. The link between diet and blood glucose should be emphasised on diagnosis so that the need for dietary modification is understood from the very beginning. Initial assessment is required before establishing a diet plan. Taking account of the person's current eating habits, preferences, cultural limitations, lifestyle should all be reflected in devising a diabetes diet plan.
Education about planning a type 2 diabetes menu
Learning the principles of a healthy diet can inform the individual about creating a diabetes menu which can include suggestions from a diet sheet. Controlling the intake of complex carbohydrates and refined sugar is vital to maintaining normal blood glucose levels but this should be incorporated into a diet plan which is to be adhered to on a daily basis. Education about healthy nutrition may help to sustain long-term changes in eating habits in order to maintain weight and blood glucose levels. Balancing diet, making sensible food choices and adapting eating habits can be challenging for the person with type 2 diabetes but the benefits are better control of blood glucose, weight, blood fats and blood pressure. With good support from a dietitan and other health care professionals the person with diabetes can still enjoy a wide variety of foods on the diet plan. Type 2 diabetes management is helped by a range of disciplines not just within medicine. This multidisciplinary approach is required and offers considerable advantages for education and on-going support for good health care.
