How to Turn Type 2 Diabetes Around Through Your Diet

Is diabetes taking a toll on your health? With nearly 40 million Americans affected by this chronic disease, it’s time to learn how to take care of your health through dietary changes.

About 95% of all diabetes in the US is attributed to type 2 diabetes. In fact, over the past several decades, the number of adults with this chronic disease has more than doubled because of lifestyle factors, including diet.  

At Triad Internal Medicine in Asheboro, North Carolina, our providers understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to guide you toward optimal health. Keep reading as we explore how to use diet and food choice to effectively manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes.

Fuel your body with healthy foods 

Your diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, and it isn’t just about portion control. To keep your blood sugar in check, focus on a well-balanced plate filled with nutrient-rich vegetables, lean proteins like beans and legumes, and heart-healthy fats. 

In addition, focus on eating a low-carbohydrate diet. But here's the secret sauce: choosing foods that convert carbohydrates into sugar slowly. This is where the glycemic index (GI) comes into play and becomes a game changer.

Understand the glycemic index

The glycemic index is a simple yet powerful tool that reveals how quickly your body turns carbohydrates from different foods into glucose, the primary source of energy. The scale runs from zero to 100, with foods most easily converted to glucose higher in number (e.g., pure glucose rates 100).   

Low GI foods, like quinoa, oatmeal, and certain fruits and veggies, have a slow impact on your blood sugar, providing sustained energy. Moderate GI foods, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, have a moderate effect, while high GI foods like white bread and processed goods can lead to blood sugar spikes. 

Control your blood sugar naturally

By incorporating more low GI foods into your meals, you gain greater control over your blood sugar levels. This approach not only aids in weight management but also helps prevent various chronic health conditions linked to diabetes, like heart disease and cancer. 

If you're pre-diabetic or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, swapping high GI foods for lower ones can reduce your risk significantly. 

And if you’ve already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, choosing healthier carbohydrates can reduce your dependence on medication and even reverse your condition when accompanied by other healthy lifestyle changes, like:

• Overall health
• Losing excess weight
• Increasing physical activity
• Regular monitoring of your blood sugar

Your Triad Internal Medicine provider can provide personalized guidance on additional lifestyle changes.  

Get comprehensive help for type 2 diabetes

Though diet modification and the glycemic index are essential tools in your journey towards better health, they aren’t the only ones you need. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes or are at risk, your provider at Triad Internal Medicine can design a personalized treatment plan to suit your specific needs.

With your provider’s expert guidance, you'll have access to oral medications, insulin therapy, and careful monitoring of your blood sugar. Our comprehensive approach to health at Triad Internal Medicine ensures you receive the most effective treatment options and adjustments when necessary.

And if you’re among the 133 million Americans with more than one chronic condition, we take into account all conditions, medications, and other health factors that may affect your diabetes. Together, we help minimize symptoms and improve your health.

Learn more about how changing your diet can help change the course of your type 2 diabetes by scheduling a consultation online or over the phone at Triad Internal Medicine in Asheboro, North Carolina.