WHAT is Type 2 Diabetes?

Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

As well as age and genetics, lifestyle factors contribute to risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The Online Diabetes Risk Tool is useful to assess your risk of Type 2 Diabetes and can be found here.

Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Diet and exercise is the starting point for controlling Type 2 Diabetes. Weight may be addressed at this early stage. Weight management improves sensitivity to insulin, and improves diabetes control.

Diabetes is a Progressive Disease

Over time, our age, insulin resistance, insulin production, glucose production by the liver, and lifestyle may affect diabetes control.

For some, medications may be introduced, and include tablets, or injections. Different medications may require specific attention to dietary intake and meal timing.

Some individuals may choose the option to have bariatric (or metabolic) surgery to control their weight and diabetes.

What DO I EAT WITH Type 2 Diabetes?

Dietary advice is important from first diagnosis and for people requiring medications for management of diabetes

Depending on your age, the time since you were diagnosed, your weight, your blood glucose testing results, the medication you are on, and your activity, your dietary advice and intake may vary.

The type and amount of food we eat will affect our diabetes control and daily blood sugar levels.

The important thing is that you have a dietary intake that fits with your lifestyle.

Short term diets create short term results. For this reason, following a 1 week meal plan doesn’t teach you how to integrate healthy eating into your lifestyle. Dietary changes need to be sustainable and realistic.