Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting around 90% of New Zealand diabetes sufferers. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin (the pancreatic hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the blood) in small quantities, but not enough to fuel the cells. Insulin is what lets your cells turn glucose from the food you eat, into energy for your body. With type 2 diabetes, cells also become resistant to what little insulin there is in the bloodstream (this is commonly referred to as insulin resistance).
Most commonly, this type of diabetes is seen in later years. However, we are now seeing an alarming number of children diagnosed with this condition. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include; poor diet, obesity, lack or exercise, age and hereditary factors. In both prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, diet is of primary importance. Often people with type 2 diabetes can initially manage their condition through exercise and diet, however, over time many people will require oral drugs and or insulin. Below are some general dietary guidelines for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Before making any major changes to your diet, please speak to your doctor about what is right for your situation.
Foods to Eat
Foods to Avoid
Effective treatment of diabetes usually requires the professionally supported integration of a wide range of therapies and a willingness to significantly improve diet and lifestyle.
Do not come off or change any diabetic medicine without first consulting with your doctor.
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