How to Control Diabetes Type II with Diet

Controlling diabetes type II with a special diet by increasing your consumption of whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and healthy fish, such as salmon and halibut. For the best results, limit intake of sugar, sodium, trans fats and foods high in cholesterol.

• Consume healthy carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are healthier for individuals with type II diabetes. Choose vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils and whole grains. Avoid white flour and sugar.


• Increase dietary fiber intake. Fiber is helpful for preventing many diseases and also aids controlling your blood sugar levels. Eat foods with high fiber content such as nuts, vegetables and wheat bran.


• Replace meats with fish as much as possible. Fish is good for the heart and contains less fat than a lot of meaty options. Choose tuna or halibut because they contain less fat and cholesterol than red meat and chicken. Enjoy salmon and benefit from its omega-3 fatty acids.


• Choose healthier fats. Foods such as walnuts, pecans, olive oil and avocados provide healthier fats and are more nutritious than other fatty foods such as french fries or pizza.


• Limit high cholesterol foods. Eggs and animal proteins tend to have higher levels of cholesterol. Limit your intake of these foods because they contribute to heart disease. The risks of heart disease are higher with diabetes type II.


• Avoid trans fats. Butter, potato chips and many baked desserts contain higher levels of trans fats. Cut back on eating these foods.


• Limit salt intake. Canned foods and excessive salt sprinkled on food can raise your sodium levels. Whenever possible, eat fresh foods and avoid adding additional salt.