TYPE II DIABETES

 Type II Diabetes is a curable disease.  I wrote this article to help those who may feel lost with being newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, have prediabetes or would like tips on keeping blood sugar low.

With Type II Diabetes, your pancreas cannot make enough insulin to take up sugar and use it for energy, leaving the sugar you eat in the bloodstream.  Often this is caused by a diet high in refined sugar, saturated fat and trans fat.

Symptoms- Blurred vision, fatigue, itchy skin, and a frequent need to urinate.

Foods to Eliminate- any refined sugar, refined flour, baked goods, soda, alcohol, processed food, deli meats, jams, dried fruit and most canned foods. Refined carbohydrates are simple sugars such as white flour, white rice, and pasta.  Saturated fat in meat, margarine and commercial vegetable oils are detrimental as they are hard on the liver.  Also avoid heavy meals as they are hard on the liver, pancreas and digestive  system.

Good Foods to Eat –  whole grains (especially oats) with natural fibers, raw fruit and vegetables have a slow release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream.  Watercress and horseradish (in small amounts) have healing effects on the pancreas.  Include lots of legumes like beans and peas.  Add apples for the pectin.  Nutritional Yeast is high in Chromium which is essential for glucose tolerance, use it liberally! Protein such as  Plain Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, beans, eggs and lean meats (fish, chicken and turkey) hit the bloodstream at a much slower rate then sugary carbohydrates.  It is wise to eat a protein with any fruit or sweet foods.  Your bedtime snack should always include a protein.  It’s important to note that too much protein can damage your kidneys so keeping your carbs and proteins balanced is important.

Onions, garlic and cinnamon, turmeric and ginger are helpful for lowering blood sugar.

Choose foods low on the Glycemic Index such as non starchy vegetables, plums, sour apples, barley, fresh peaches, whole wheat spaghetti.

Exercise– aim for 20 minutes of moderate activity a day.  Walking outdoors is a great way to start the blood pumping while also enjoying the benefits of fresh air and vitamin D.  Breathing exercises are also beneficial.

Supplements– B Complex- the B vitamins stimulate insulin secretion.   Chromium GTF- helps stabilize blood sugar levels.  Evening Primrose Oil- regulates insulin and assists in recovery. Fennel, Fenugreek are great for clearing the liver and kidneys aiding digestion.

I hope this gives you a place to start to begin your healing journey.  It’s important to remember that we are all individual and we need to build our diet according to our own needs.  Nutrition Counselling is a great way to help guide you through your healing journey.

Becky Dixon CNC.,NNCP