Type 2 diabetes should pay attention to diet

Type 2 diabetes should pay attention to diet, exercise, and the role of alcohol in it. Tips to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease

• People with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of heart disease.
• Lifestyle factors, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising actively, and being aware of their medical condition, may help reduce the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
• There is no specific diabetic diet, but there are several dietary patterns that can be beneficial.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause in people with type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle factors help reduce risk. The American Heart Association (AHA) has released a new scientific statement recommending that people with type 2 diabetes should pay attention to diet, exercise, and the role of alcohol in it to reduce their risk of heart disease.

“It is estimated that having diabetes doubles the risk of heart disease or stroke,” said Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian, diabetes specialist and author of the book “2-Day Diabetic Diet.” In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.

About the Scientific Statement

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a variety of heart and vascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. The American Heart Association’s new statement outlines the latest research on managing risk factors for heart disease, including new information about how antiglyclycemic drugs can help improve blood sugar control.

There are many lifestyle changes that can help people with type 2 diabetes manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including nutrition, physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and increasing education and psychosocial care. In fact, the American Heart Association’s statement suggests that people with type 2 diabetes who adhere to an overall healthy lifestyle have a much lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Nutrition and Diet

There is no specific “diabetic diet” that can help everyone. Conversely, a customized approach is important to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The right diet is an acceptable, affordable and accessible one, while balancing medical needs and personal preferences. To be successful, nutritionists should be involved in the care plan.

In fact, the American Heart Association says many different dietary patterns can be beneficial. These diets include the Mediterranean diet, dash diet, Paleolithic diet, low-carb diet, high-protein diet, and vegetarian diet.

No one diet is effective for all people with diabetes. You want to follow a diet plan that aligns with both your health goals and your lifestyle, and it’s a plan you can stick to.

— Erin Palinski-Wade RD, CDE

Palinski-Wade said: “No diet works for everyone with diabetes.” “You want to follow a diet plan that aligns with your health goals and fits your lifestyle, and it’s a plan you can stick to.”

Palinski-Wade says that instead of trying extreme changes, focus on small changes that you can stick to for the long term. For example, she offers some hints that can be gradually increased. This includes filling each meal with half a plate of non-starchy vegetables, increasing fiber intake, reducing added sugar, and replacing animal fats such as butter with more vegetable oil.

“Once you’ve chosen your dietary patterns, the foods you choose each day also have an impact and saturated fats, added sugars and sodium should be restricted,” adds nutrition expert Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND and author of “Make-Your-Plate Diabetes Cookbook.”

Importance of Physical Activity

Exercise is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes because it helps improve blood sugar. It also helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. Physical activity has also been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

The goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise per week. This situation can last for at least three days, not more than two consecutive days of inactivity.

In addition to aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming, it is also important to do resistance exercise two to three times a week. Some examples include flat supports, resistance bands, weightlifting, or push-ups. Finally, add some flexibility and balance workouts, like stretching or yoga, two to three times a week.

Exercise Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Impact of Alcohol Intake

In people with type 2 diabetes, mild to moderate alcohol consumption, especially wine, was associated with fewer heart attacks and some improved cardiac metabolic indicators. However, heavy alcohol consumption increases blood pressure levels and the risk of heart attack. When you have type 2 diabetes, moderation is important.

Alcohol increases calories and also causes blood sugar levels to drop because alcohol prevents the liver from producing glucose.

— Toby Amidor MS, RD, CDN, FAND

“Alcohol increases calories and also causes blood sugar levels to drop because alcohol prevents the liver from producing glucose,” Armido said. “Once the liver runs out of glucose stored, people who drink alcohol can’t make more right away, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.”

If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do drink alcohol, be aware of the potential risk of developing high blood pressure. In addition, alcohol makes blood sugar levels more difficult to control. Women do not exceed one cup per day and men do not exceed two cups per day.

“A glass of wine is defined as 12 fl oz of beer, 5 fl oz of wine, and 1.5 fl oz of 80-degree spirits, such as rum and vodka,” Amidoll explains.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Part of a healthy lifestyle also includes regular check-ups, continuing education, psychological support (if needed), and monitoring clinical parameters such as blood glucose and blood pressure.

Palinski-Wade says that in addition to managing your diet, increasing daily physical activity, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep can help promote healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Palinski-Wade said: “Diabetics should take care to keep blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure within the range of normal possible to help reduce the overall risk of heart disease.”

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If you have type 2 diabetes pay attention to a proper diet and exercise program. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan. A registered dietitian can help you plan your menu. In conclusion, a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat may be beneficial. Exercise, regular check-ups, and monitoring alcohol intake can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.