Boston nutritionist, Dr. Judith Mabel creating a healthy diabetes diet

Diabetes - Type II

About 90% of all diabetics develop type 2 diabetes. It used to be called "adult onset diabetes", but now many children are affected as well. The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes are that the person is overweight, has a history of the disease in the family, is over 40 years old, and has a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and sugar, and low in fiber. This type of diabetes is often characterized by insensitivity to insulin; that is the pancreas makes insulin, but the cells lose their ability to respond to it. Over 80% of type 2 diabetics are obese.

A growing body of research has shown that a high fiber/complex carbohydrate diet, combined with weight control, provides one of the safest and most effective ways to protect a diabetic’s health. On the other hand, refined carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the body and they flood the bloodstream with glucose. A diabetic cannot produce insulin rapidly enough to clear this sugar from the blood and into the cells where it is properly utilized.

Nutrients can help
There are many nutrients that can offer health benefits. It may be useful to consult your physician and a nutritionist about incorporating nutrients into your diet and health plan. Typical nutrients that might be incorporated are chromium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins C and E. Many diabetics are low in one or more of these vital nutrients.

Chromium
This trace mineral, which is milled out of whole grain foods, plays a central role in helping insulin move blood sugar into the cells. Chromium supplementation has been shown to decrease fasting glucose levels, improving glucose tolerance.

Superfoods for diabetics
Flax oil and virgin olive oil are foods of particular interest to diabetics, as both of these oils help diabetics lower blood sugar. Onions and garlic help control both blood sugar and cholesterol. Even spices can be helpful; particularly hot cayenne pepper, cloves and bay leaf.

Exercise
Regular exercise helps the body control blood sugar levels more effectively. People who exercise have tissues that respond better to insulin. Exercise also hastens weight loss and suppresses hormonal imbalances that can lead to inappropriate food cravings.

A careful evaluation can be done to lessen the symptoms of diabetes using diet and supplementation. In some cases, medication can be reduced or eliminated.