Diet is an important part of a type 2 diabetes treatment plan. Depending on the diabetes diagnosis and the current diet plan, one might need to make minor changes to the diet or a complete revamping of the same.

The right diet for type 2 Diabetes
The ideal diet for type 2 diabetes includes more fiber and less fatty and refined foods. There aren’t many difficult diet adjustments that people with type 2 diabetes need to make.

Foods to eat –

• Whole grains – whole wheat, barley, quinoa, wild rice, wheat bran, brown rice.
• Fruits – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, citrus fruits.
• Vegetables – leafy greens, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus and any non-starchy ones.
• Vegetarian protein – legumes (try different beans, lentils, and peas), nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans (in moderation).
• Animal protein – salmon, tuna, herring and sardines.
• Healthy fats – peanut oil, olive oil, flaxseeds, avocados (all in moderation).
• Dairy – low-fat plain yogurt, low-fat milk.

Foods to avoid –

• Refined flour
• Processed foods
• Full-fat milk and other dairy products
• White rice, pasta
• Red meat
• Starchy vegetables
• Sugar-rich beverages
• Trans fats
• Saturated fats
• Salty foods
• Fried foods

Other tips –

• For treatment of type 2 diabetes, eating on time is also important. If one doesn’t eat on time, the blood sugar levels can drop.
• Include different types of foods in the diet for maximum benefits.
• Eat less salt. Type 2 diabetes can raise your risk of high blood pressure. So moderate the salt intake.
• Add fiber to the diet but ensure that you don’t eat it in excess. Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease. So, maintain a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol in check.
• Avoid overeating.

Along with a healthy diet, one needs to exercise regularly to control the blood sugar. Otherwise, the type 2 diabetes treatment may not work well. It is possible to manage the condition without any diabetes medication with just the right diet and exercise plan.