Harvard Health Publications has released a new report entitled "Healthy Eating for Type 2 Diabetes". The recommendations are remarkably similar to those for the general healthy population.
People with type 2 diabetes are encouraged to boost their fiber intake by choosing whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables over refined grains and sugars. Like Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, diabetes experts at Harvard recommend limiting salt intake, drinking alcohol in moderation and getting an adequate calcium intake from lower fat milk products.
People with diabetes are also urged to choose leaner sources of protein such as beans, lentils and tofu often.
The report contains 40 diabetic recipes and puts added emphasis on weight control and control of blood sugar. It warns people with diabetes to limit white potatoes because it can have a harmful affect on blood sugar. However, it does not say that sugar is prohibited in the diabetic diet, a common myth held by the general population.
More than 2 million Canadian have diabetes and type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of those cases. Even if you don't have diabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing the disease by following the recommendations in this report.
Order Harvard's "Healthy Eating for Type 2 Diabetes" online www.health.harvard.edu/HED.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.