The number one method for controlling Type 2 diabetes is to monitor your blood sugar levels. Yet, it is often the most overlooked. Diabetics often rely on:

    * how they feel,
    * the time since their last meal,
    * their recent history of blood sugar readings, etc.,

to determine how they should respond to monitoring.

Unfortunately, a history of readings is not a fool-proof method of treatment. Blood sugar levels spike, other conditions come into play and food varies.

Once you are diagnosed, you have to be diligent about checking your levels... even if you feel fine. This is especially true after a meal. Eating out can trigger an unexpected response. Blood sugar levels can unexpectedly spike after eating if you are not paying close attention to your food intake. Although other factors can come into play, you can expect about a 40 to 60 mg/dL (2.2 to 3.3. mmol/L) difference from a pre-meal blood sugar reading and a reading 2 hours after a meal. If the difference is more than this, it could mean:

    * the meal contained hidden fat, carbohydrates, or calories (kilojoules),
    * you ate a larger meal than usual,
    * the meal contained a moderate to high fat level (this causes a delayed rise in your blood sugar),
    * your medications may need to be adjusted,
    * you need to review your eating plan.

Skipping meals is another no-no. Just because you don't feel hungry is not adequate reason to skip a meal. Your body may not be registering its need in the form of hunger pains, but you can bet your blood sugar is planning an assault on your body if you don't have something planned for it to work off.

Snacks are another important factor. A snack is often more important than a meal because it is a carry-over to the next refueling session. The diabetic needs a constant supply of fuel to maintain adequate blood sugar levels. When a non-diabetic goes too long without something in their system, all they can expect is a "growling" stomach. But for a diabetic, you are flirting with danger.

But spacing meals is not the only concern with food: it also has to be the right mixture of foods:

    * combining the right fruits and vegetables,
    * including enough fiber, and
    * limiting fat and cholesterol

are all ways that you can balance your diet and still have variety.

Food preparation rounds out the food category. Eating foods that are fried and covered in sauces counteracts the nutritional value you would receive. Plus, the added calories and fat content will cause chaos with your blood sugar levels and your weight.

By Beverleigh H Piepers