Nutritional treatment plays an important role in the management of type 2 diabetes. Although there are many factors that affect the development of this disease, a good diet is essential to control it and avoid related complications. What should you know about it?
What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that manifests itself with glucose levels higher than those recommended in the blood. In the specific case of type 2 diabetes, the body stops using insulin correctly. The latter is a hormone produced by the pancreas whose function is to help glucose enter cells and be used for energy.
Among the risk factors for developing this pathology are: having a family history of diabetes mellitus, age, suffering from obesity and physical inactivity. In fact, it ‘s common for people with type 2 diabetes to also be overweight or obese.
In these patients, reducing energy in the diet, while maintaining an adequate and healthy supply of nutrients in meals, is beneficial to promote weight loss. Losing weight could translate into benefits in both glycemic control and blood pressure.
Nutritional treatment in type 2 diabetes
Since there is no ideal pattern for all patients, nor a percentage of macronutrients that can be used in a general way, according to current evidence, the most recommended treatment would be a joint diet and physical activity plan prescribed by a professional. This is stated by an investigation published in the journal BMJ.
According to the latest consensus of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the goals of nutritional treatment should be the following:
Improve glycated hemoglobin parameters, reduce hypertension and cholesterol levels.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight (at this point the adherence and change of habits of the patient is of special interest).
Prevent complications.
Therefore, one of the points that must be taken into account, once the disease is diagnosed, is the dietary factor.
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