What's healthy eating for a diabetic?

[Northerner]

"Being a type 2 diabetic, I have too many different ideas coming at me. Do you have any advice on what diet to follow?"


Diet and Fitness Expert
Dr. Melina Jampolis
Physician Nutrition Specialist

Expert answer
Hi, Marci,

You are definitely not alone when it comes to this issue. Approximately 25.8 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes (almost a third do not even know that they have the disease), and 79 million more have pre-diabetes.

With all the often conflicting diet information out there, it's challenging to figure out what to eat. While there is no single diet that works well for everyone, including those with diabetes, there are several things that can help keep your blood sugar under control and could help shrink your waistline (excess belly fat is big risk factor for diabetes).

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/expert.q.a/10/14/diet.diabetes.jampolis/

 

[slipper]

I wonder if vitamin D and magnesium is worth a try?

I've read elsewhere that we brits can be short of vit D.

 

[Northerner]

I wonder if vitamin D and magnesium is worth a try?

I've read elsewhere that we brits can be short of vit D.

I thought it was an interesting and more realistic response than the often-quoted 'eat lots of starchy carbs with every meal' 🙂 The food she suggests does sound lovely and healthy, and no doubt carries all the necessary nutrients. As far as supplements go, I take a multivit mainly because I don't often get my 5 a day, but I often think that the huge supplements that some people recommend seem contrary to common sense - we can't possibly have evolved to reuqire vast amounts of vitamin C, for example. 🙂

 

[cherrypie]

I wonder if vitamin D and magnesium is worth a try?

I've read elsewhere that we brits can be short of vit D.

Hi slipper,

It is a bit of a minefield with supplements.

How would you know if you are deficient without getting advice and how would you know the dose you need?
You also have to find out if any supplements interfere with any other meds that you may be taking and if there are any side effects from any particular supplement. Too much B12, as an example,
causes numbness in toes and fingers. This might lead you to believe that you are experiencing neuropathy.

There is a guide that the NHS produced,
http://www.nhs.uk/News/2011/05May/Documents/BtH_supplements.pdf

Most people can safely take a MultiVitamin but as to taking anything else, best to consult your Dr.

 

[slipper]

The two supplements mentioned I have tried before for my ME and they didn't make any difference, so they just struck a chord with me.

At least they would be something to eat I am struggling, I cant live off chicken breasts and ham salad for evermore, with half a slice of bread.

I have tried the supplement path before though, and as you say, care is needed, but I have never found anything of benefit.

Your right about the starch carbs advice Northerner, I was basically told just to reduce my portions and plenty of fibre.