Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with dietary changes – Doctor knocks down a popular diet – 2024-05-04 07:55:44

The treatment of type 2 diabetes is comprehensive. Elevated blood sugar is one part of the metabolic disorder associated with diabetes. Adobe

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled without medication by lifestyle changes. Obesity, and especially central obesity, is one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

According to the updated Käypä hoito recommendation, it is possible to treat an overweight person to remission of early-stage type 2 diabetes with significant weight loss and subsequent weight control.

We previously asked Iltalehti readers to share their tips on how they have managed to control type 2 diabetes by changing their lifestyles.

In the answers, the diabetologist knocks out the repeated low-carbohydrate diet, i.e. the carp in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

– I do not support a low-carbohydrate diet. If you aim for a moderate reduction of carbohydrates, it will probably give a better result than a very low-carb diet, says the expert senior doctor Elina Pimi From the diabetes association.

There is no official definition of a low-carbohydrate diet. It is characterized by the reduction of sugars and starches. It means not only cutting out delicacies, but also limiting the consumption of grain products, potatoes, roots and fruits.

What’s up?

“Actually, overall energy supply is the most important basic idea,” says Pimiä.

– If cutting carbs helps to cut energy intake, then ok. Another thing is that it doesn’t always do that. The most important things would be the meal rhythm, when it is easier to restrain yourself and the feeling of hunger.

One of the problems with a low-carb diet is that many people can only maintain it for a short period of time. In addition, the amount of fat increases too much in a low-carbohydrate diet.

– I’m not interested in where the energy comes from, but where the excess energy comes from, emphasizes Pimiä.

Hunger takes us

Probably all of us have gone to the store hungry at some point and put completely different purchases in the cart than we would normally go there.

– Hunger and the satiety center kind of take us away. With sufficient fiber intake, we ensure that satiety remains longer. It puts mass in the stomach, so to speak. Fiber also makes you feel full faster and keeps you hungry for longer, advises Pimiä.

And which problem of his clients does the diabetes doctor come across again and again in his office?

– Quite a lot of people start a temporary diet of a skinny or curvaceous nature. Problems arise when the new, lower weight should be maintained. When the weight is reduced, the total consumption is also lower. So you should be able to continue eating less than before the course.

So it is better to make changes that you can keep.

– No food is forbidden. It’s all about the portion size and frequency. You should make changes that feel good to you. If you like sacher cake, you can still eat it. But not every day, but even just on Saturdays, reminds Pimi.