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Type 2 Diabetes

Also indexed as:Blood Sugar (Diabetes), Diabetes, Type 2, High Blood Sugar
Also known as adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes can often be managed by carefully monitoring your diet. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. 
Type 2 Diabetes: Main Image
Also known as adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes can often be managed by carefully monitoring your diet. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. 
  • Keep an eye on the GI

    Follow a low-glycaemic-index diet by avoiding sweet snacks and processed foods, and emphasizing healthy carbohydrates from whole grains, beans, vegetables, and whole fruit, to help keep blood sugar levels stable.

  • Fight back with fibre

    In addition to eating plenty of high-fibre fruits and vegetables, consider using a fibre supplement such as glucomannan or psyllium with meals.

  • Energise insulin function with weight loss and exercise

    Lower your blood sugar and improve insulin function with weight loss and regular exercise.

  • Check out chromium

    Improve glucose tolerance by taking 200 to 1,000 mcg of this essential trace mineral every day.

  • Improve and protect with ALA

    Take 600 to 1,200 mg a day of an alpha lipoic acid supplement to improve insulin sensitivity and help protect against diabetic complications such as nerve damage.

  • Try a topical ointment

    An ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times a day might help control nerve pain.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
  • Aim for a healthy weight

    Lose excess weight with a programme of healthy eating, regular exercise, and group support to maintain healthy insulin sensitivity and prevent type 2 diabetes.

  • Get moving

    Use regular aerobic and/or strength exercise to maintain healthy insulin sensitivity and prevent type 2 diabetes.

  • Keep an eye on the GI  

    Choose carbohydrate foods with a low glycaemic index, such as whole grains, beans (pulses), and other high-fibre, unprocessed foods, to stabilise blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk.

  • Go vegetarian or vegan

    Vegetarians have been shown to have a low risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Add some olive oil

    Extra virgin olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat. Increasing monounsaturated fats relative to other dietary fats has been shown to improve glucose tolerance.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.