What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not create enough insulin – the hormone that helps naturally control your blood sugar – or does not properly use the insulin it makes. In Canada, almost 1 in 5 seniors have been diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, the adult onset type most often associated with overweight and obesity, makes up 90% of these reported cases.

The key to effective diabetes management is correlated to a healthy diet and lifestyle, and the management and distribution of carbohydrates to ensure that there are no wild sugar spikes in the blood. This, however, does not mean that it is necessary to strictly limit or altogether avoid this most important macronutrient.
 

What lifestyle factors should I consider with Type 2 diabetes?

A healthy lifestyle beyond diet is important when managing Type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity is recommended, as it improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps manage your blood sugar levels. Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, and cycling are all effective. Also, individuals with Type 2 diabetes are recommended to limit their alcohol intake and only drink in moderation, as it raises blood sugar levels and often contains large quantities of carbohydrates.

Additionally, if you have been prescribed medication by your healthcare practitioner to manage your diabetes, please stay up to date on taking your medication and monitoring your blood sugar levels, adhering to the specific guidelines set forth for you by your doctor.

How do I find the right foods for me with Type 2 diabetes?

When managing Type 2 diabetes, healthy eating goes a long way. Planning balanced meals that include lots of vegetables, adequate protein and healthy snacks with lower carbohydrate content can go a long way in helping you reach your blood sugar control goals with Type 2 diabetes. Talk to your Registered Dietitian or healthcare team about your individual daily carbohydrate recommendation and use your My Menu to help you with planning your meals. By being consistent in counting your carbohydrates, adhering to what your Registered Dietitian or Physician has advised, and supplementing meals with healthy snacks and side dishes that you enjoy, you will be able to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with Type 2 diabetes.
 

Should I be limiting my carbohydrate intake with Type 2 diabetes?

Our brains don’t function well without carbohydrates, as they are our body’s main source of energy. The fact is that everyone, even people with diabetes, need to consume foods that contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (the other two are fat and protein) that we need in large quantities to maintain our health. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is absorbed in the small intestine. From there, glucose enters the blood stream and causes blood sugar levels to rise. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is still usually working to produce insulin, however it has a difficult time entering the blood stream to lower blood sugar. Think of it like this - your pancreas is knocking on the door of your blood vessels and asking to allow insulin in to lower the amount of sugar in the blood, but nobody answers the door.

There is no universal recommendation for the number of grams of carbohydrates you should consume daily when you have Type 2 Diabetes. The specific range needs to be assessed individually with the help of your dietitian. A good rule of thumb for seniors is to consume no more than approximately 200g of carbohydrates per day and spread them evenly throughout each day.

Heart to Home Meals provides many meals with lower carbohydrates under the CarbControl Diet Code, however this does not mean that you cannot enjoy other meals as well, so long as you are making healthy choices and monitoring the number of grams of carbohydrates you are consuming, while also monitoring your blood sugar as per your healthcare professional’s instructions. You can find all of our CarbControl meals here.

Can I still have sugar with Type 2 diabetes?

Everyone deserves a treat now and then! The focus with consuming sugar when you have Type 2 diabetes is to mindfully limit rather than eliminate, and to make healthy choices that find that right balance for you. There is still room for dessert, as long as it fits into your personal daily carbohydrate allotment.

Nutritional information for each of your meals and desserts is always available at the back of your Heart To Home Meals menu and on our website, making it easier to make informed decisions for your health.

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