Type 2 diabetes: Five tips for eating on the go and avoiding blood sugar spikes
TYPE 2 diabetes can be controlled by maintaining a healthy diet and cutting down on certain foods, but this can be difficult when eating on the go and choices are more limited. Follow these five tips to avoid spikes in blood sugar when eating on the go.
Type 2 diabetes: Dr Mosley gives his dietary tips
Type 2 diabetes happens when the level of sugar in the blood is too high.
It can be dangerous, as it left untreated it can lead to problems with the heart, eyes, nerves and kidneys.
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by taking medication, but also by eating a healthy diet.
It can be easy to make healthy eating choices at home, but when out and about choices are more limited, especially when eating on the go.
Try a slice of wholegrain bread with peanut butter and grab an apple, or leave oats combined with low-fat milk in the fridge overnight and add mixed berries in the morning
Follow these five tips to ensure blood sugar is kept under control when eating on the go.
Review your eating habits
Keep a food diary for the week, noting what and how much you eat.
Use this to assess your foods choices and eating patterns, to see what you need to change.
Make time for breakfast
Try to eat a healthy, filling breakfast every morning, which will keep you going until your next meal.
If short on time in the mornings, try preparing breakfast the night before.
“Try a slice of wholegrain bread with peanut butter and grab an apple, or leave oats combined with low-fat milk in the fridge overnight and add mixed berries in the morning,” recommends Diabetes UK.
If grabbing breakfast from a cafe, choose porridge with low-fat milk or a slice of granary toast over pastries and muffins.
Plan ahead
Prepare food at the weekend or in the evenings for week days when you are at work or out and about.
Diabetes UK recommends making up salad boxes with roast vegetables, cooked chicken or fish, and adding rice or quinoa.
If buying lunch out, choose the healthy ranges of sandwiches and soups.
Prepare a snack box
Pack a snack box with healthy, filling snacks like fruit, a boiled egg, edamame beans, plain popcorn or unsalted nights.
Choose lower fat drinks
Drinks from cafes can be high in calories, so if you need that morning coffee, ask for skimmed milk and skip the sugar, syrup and cream.