A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes doesn't mean a senior loved one can no longer enjoy eating. However, as proper diet is an important tool for managing the disease, it's important for seniors to make healthy menu choices. It takes planning and guidance around how to best approach grocery shopping, meal prepping, and cooking with diabetes in mind. Here are some helpful tips for diabetes management courtesy of Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville.
Overview of Type 2 Diabetes
Before diving into diet and lifestyle changes, it's important to understand Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a major global health problem, affecting over 30 million people in the United States alone. Causes include genetics, unhealthy eating habits, and obesity. The symptoms associated with diabetes vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated, and can range from unmitigated thirst to feeling tired and easily irritated. Other symptoms include sudden weight loss, significant hunger, frequent urination, and blurred vision. If left untreated or if improperly managed, Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of dangerously high levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia). It can also cause strokes, heart disease, blindness, and even kidney failure.
Eating Right with Diabetes
In a balanced diet for diabetes control, it is important to incorporate a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods. The aim is to keep blood sugar levels low and steady. Focus on low-glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Senior loved ones should steer away from refined carbohydrate sources like white bread, processed snacks, and sugar-rich foods. It's also important to make sure the senior is eating enough proper protein. Lean proteins rich in essential amino acids (like beans, lentils, and fish) are ideal here as they can help ensure balance within the body.
To manage glucose levels properly, the senior should also consider portion size – moderation really does matter when managing this disease.
Grocery Shopping and Meal Prepping
When it comes to grocery shopping and preparing meals for seniors who have Type 2 diabetes, aim for high-quality nutrient sources and plan meals for the next few days. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- In addition to having a shopping list in hand, it is vital that seniors learn how to read food labels as part of their diabetes management diet strategy (trans-fats are a big no-no).
- Encourage variety – this goes especially if you're prepping meals days ahead. Shop for healthy main dishes like chicken stir-fry or Greek salad; side dishes can include brown rice, quinoa, or kale salad loaded with colorful veggies like peppers or onions. These diabetes-friendly options ensure essential nutrition isn't forgotten in favor of quick, processed snacks.
- Don't forget healthy snacks while meal prepping such as apples with peanut butter. This helps keep glucose levels down and hunger pangs away until dinner time.
Manage Type 2 Diabetes with Help From Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville
Eating with diabetes doesn't mean it's time to give up your favorite foods for good. With expert guidance and thoughtful planning, seniors in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, and Loudon can still enjoy meals tailored specifically to their dietary needs. For additional tips on how best to incorporate healthy eating habits into a senior's diet or how to grocery shop with diabetes in mind, contact our experts at Senior Helpers in Greater Knoxville today!