What diet and lifestyle changes help manage type 2 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 48-year-old male, recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, my fasting blood sugar level is 14 mg/dl, and I am struggling to wrap my head around it. With world diabetes day approaching, it is hitting me even harder. I have been trying to manage my blood sugar levels, but I feel like I am failing. Can you please guide me on what kind of diet is best for someone with Type 2 diabetes? What other lifestyle modifications can I follow to prevent myself from other complications and also help me lower my blood sugar levels?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concern, and it is great that you are looking out for her health. Managing type 2 diabetes requires a balanced, consistent routine. One key step is to ensure she eats freshly prepared meals and never skips breakfast. Having a small portion of nuts before exercise can help stabilize her energy levels. It's also helpful to divide meals into five to six smaller portions throughout the day to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Encourage her to avoid packaged, processed, and ready-to-eat foods, as they can spike blood sugar. Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated, and including a variety of colorful fruits in the diet adds essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Here is a general meal plan that could help:

Morning: Yogurt with sliced fruits, brown rice idlis, a glass of milk, porridge, or lightly cooked vegetables.
Lunch: Mixed-vegetable curry, brown rice or brown rice with dal, or vegetable soup with whole-grain rotis and a fresh salad.
Dinner: Multigrain rotis, salad, vegetable paratha with raita, a bowl of fruit, or brown rice with steamed vegetables.

These changes, along with regular exercise and proper rest, can help control diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.