Type 2 diabetes means a person’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels. Over time, insulin resistance significantly raises the risk of developing life-threatening complications, such as heart attack or stroke. Finding ways to regulate blood sugar levels is crucial for those dealing with the condition. Growing evidence suggests a diet that is low in this food group will help control blood sugar levels.

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Type 2 diabetes is a complicated disease, however, maintaining good blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of future health complications.

If you have the condition, your body cannot process carbohydrates effectively.

This is why many leading health experts recommend following a low-carb diet.

Normally, when a person eats carbs they are broken down into small units of glucose, which end up as blood sugar.

In healthy people, blood sugar levels remain within a narrow range throughout the day. In type 2 diabetes however, this system doesn’t work the way it is supposed to.

Diabetes UK said on their website: “Everyone needs some carbohydrate-containing foods in their diet.

The actual amount that you need to eat will depend on your age, activity levels and the goals you are trying to achieve.

What the studies say

Many studies support low-carb diet for treatment of diabetes.

In a study with the American Diabetes Association, the effects of a low-carb diet was analysed.

The study noted: “A diet in which the protein content was increased from 15 to 30 percent resulted in a moderate but highly significant decrease in glycohemoglobin after five weeks on the diet.

A low-carb diet not only reduced the postal glucose concentration but also considerably reduced the overnight fasting glucose concentration.”

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Sugar and carbs

The Heart Foundation said on their website: “Many people think of rice, potatoes and pasta as carbs but that’s only a few of the huge range of foods that contain carbohydrates.

“Sugar in food and drinks can be naturally occurring, like in fruit and dairy products. It can also be added during processing.

“Most added or free sugar comes from foods like cakes, biscuits, pastries and sugary drinks.

“Choose the healthier carbohydrates like fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and wholegrain cereals.”

Some healthy foods contain added sugars for flavour or helping preserve the product or hold its shape, this is why it is so important to check the labels for sugar and carb content.

Diabetes UK added: “One person trying to lose weight and manage their blood glucose levels on a low-carb diet would restrict their carb intake, while another person who is happy with their weight may decide to eat more healthy carbs.

“The total amount of carbohydrate eaten will have the biggest effect on your glucose levels after eating, so it is important to know how much you’re eating.”

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