Type 2 Diabetes and Hunger-Foodpicker

Dear Reader,

Below is the question of the week from FoodPicker..

I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During the day at work I eat very little, but in the evenings and weekends, I can't seem to stay out of the kitchen. Do you have any suggestions to control my snacking in the evenings and weekends?


Answer:

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin (hormone produced in pancreas) or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

•Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
•Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

The key to managing type 2 diabetes is through diet. You need to control blood sugar levels by changing the diet. People with type 2 diabetes should carefully monitor carbohydrate consumption, as well as total fat and protein intake, and reduce calories.

What causes hunger?

Simply, the cells are crying for food. That hunger pain is a signal from the cells calling for food. They are hungry and cannot perform their daily functions. It is important to eat smaller meals throughout the day every 3 hours. I usually recommend lower glycemic foods and choosing whole grains. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted for energy. This triggers intense hunger. The goal is to have low blood sugar levels, assisting in the process of allowing the sugar to reach your starving cells … you will then feel less hungry! It will happen automatically and naturally without a struggle.

Also remember, food cravings can also indicate a need for fluids.....when managing your food intake drink plenty of water.

If you can eat a well balanced diet (watching the amount of Carbs) and exercising..you will feel a lot better. Skipping meals, starving the cells of food, and then having high amounts of glucose in the blood will lead to other health issues.