The symptoms may develop over time but in certain cases, chances are there won’t be any symptoms, or may be so mild that they go unnoticed. In many cases, individuals may not discover it until they develop any of the complications, such as kidney disorder.

Type 2 Diabetes & Weight Loss

Weight can play a key role in Type 2 Diabetes, as it can lead to weight loss, sometimes weight gain as well.

The human body is made up of cells and these cells require energy in the form of sugar/glucose to perform their function. Usually, cells take sugar/glucose directly from the bloodstream and insulin hormone allows the sugar to exit the bloodstream and enter the cells.

In Type 2 Diabetes, the cells stop responding to insulin as they should. This phenomenon is known as insulin resistance.

As a result, the pancreas starts producing more insulin to overcome the resistance and after some time, the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to get a sufficient amount of glucose/sugar into the cells. Ultimately, this condition causes the blood sugar levels to rise and since the cells can’t get the energy they require from glucose, the human body starts breaking down fat to obtain energy in order to function smoothly.

But weight loss isn’t the only symptom of Type 2 Diabetes. It may occur due to obvious causes like intentional dieting or regular exercise, etc.

Diet Recommendation for Diabetes

A healthy diet and nutrition are essential for a balanced lifestyle for a person with Type 2 Diabetes. A balanced diet keeps the blood sugar level in the target range and maintains the body weight. It also results in delaying the development of further diabetic complications.

The optimum diet for people with Diabetes involves the consumption of nutritious food from all the food groups, in the amount your meal plan (suggested by the medical consultant) outlines.

Vegetables can surely be consumed –

• Non-starchy: Broccoli, Carrots, Greens, and Tomatoes
• Starchy: Potatoes, Corn, and Green peas

Fruits can be consumed like –

• Melon
• Oranges
• Apples
• Berries
• Grapes

Whole grains are advisable for a diabetic individual.

• Wheat
• Rice
• Oats
• Cornmeal
• Barley
• Quinoa

Products that have lean protein can also be consumed like –

• Beans
• Tofu
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Eggs

Source;https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

Just like some food products are recommended, there are some others whose consumption can be limited or restricted. Some of them are:

• Foods that are high in salt (sodium).
• Sweets, ice-creams, baked goods & candies.
• Fried food or food items that are high in saturated fat.
• Beverages with added sugar like sweetened iced tea, sodas, or energy drinks.

In addition to this, if a person with diabetes consumes liquor then it should also be in a limited amount.

Other dietary recommendations are:

1. Try focussing more on whole foods.

2. Minimize the consumption of carbohydrates as it increases the levels of blood sugar.
To reduce this spike, you may eat carbohydrates with foods that contain fiber, protein, or ‘good’ fat such as olives or avocados.
For example: In diabetes, eating whole fruit will be more beneficial than drinking fruit juice as the whole fruit will have fiber as a content.

3. Limit the portion size.

If Diabetes further poses a challenge, try consulting with a registered dietician for a better and customized diet plan.