Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which sugar or glucose levels increase in the bloodstream. The insulin hormone helps to move the blood sugar in the cells, where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells also cannot respond to insulin. In the later stages of the disease, your body may not produce enough insulin. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic levels of glucose in the blood, causing more symptoms and can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, your body is unable to effectively use insulin to bring glucose into cells. This causes the body to rely on alternative sources of energy from tissues, muscles and organs. Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly. It can cause a variety of symptoms.  Symptoms can be mild and easy to eliminate in the beginning. The first symptoms may include:

• Constant hunger
• Less energy
• Tiredness
• Loss of weight
• More thirst
• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Irritated skin
• Unclear vision

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

You can effectively manage type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will tell you how often you should check your blood sugar level. The goal is to stay within a specific range.

• Follow these tips to manage type 2 diabetes: Including high-fiber foods and healthy carbohydrates in your diet, eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help keep your blood sugar level.
• Eat at regular intervals
• Eat only until you are full.
• Check your weight and keep your heart healthy. This means minimizing refined carbohydrates, sweets and animal fats.
• Do about half an hour of aerobic activity every day to help keep your heart healthy. Exercise also helps control blood sugar levels.

Foods to Avoid for Type 2 Diabetes

• Margarine and shortening
• Baked goods like white bread, chopsticks
• Elaborate snacks
• Sugary drinks, including fruit juices
• Fat-rich dairy products
• Pasta or white rice

Foods to Eat for Type 2 Diabetes

• Whole fruits
• Non-starchy vegetables
• Legumes, such as beans
• Whole grains such as oats or quinoa
• Sweet potatoes
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Halibut
• Cod
• Flax seeds