Insulin resistance, syndrome X, type 2 diabetes ...
words that can instill fear into people's hearts.
Is this because you are concerned as to how diabetes will affect the rest of your life? Well that's fair.
Or is it because there is so much confusing information around and you don't know what to believe? Well here is a starting point: Firstly, you understand you have high blood sugar levels which occurred because your body no longer responds correctly to insulin.
Insulin is unable to enter your cells at the moment and that is where it needs to be to help sugar cross from your bloodstream into your cells.
Secondly, your fasting blood sugar levels were above 126 mg/dl (7 mmol/l).
Your oral glucose tolerance test showed levels higher than 200 mg/dl (11 mmol/l).
These tests combined with other signs and symptoms, confirmed you have type 2 diabetes.
Thirdly, and one of the most important steps, is to look at your eating plan.
This is the main treatment for type 2 diabetes and it is in your control.
You can lower your:

• blood sugar levels
• insulin levels
• and your weight

by finding a diet that will work for you, one that takes into account your likes and dislikes.
A low-Gi carbohydrate, moderate protein, low fat diet is a really effective way to stabilize your blood sugars almost immediately.
Refined carbohydrates such as bread, spaghetti, macaroni, bagels, cookies, refined grain cereals and white rice cause almost the same rise in blood sugars as a tablespoon of sugar.
To keep your blood sugar levels from rising too high:

• reduce sweet foods generally, look for low-sugar alternatives
• always eat fruit and root vegetables with protein so the protein will slow down the absorption of sugar from these foods
• eat plenty of whole grain foods as they release their carbs slowly.
  They also help to control your appetite
• carbohydrates can also be found in alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, yogurt, sugar, honey, corn syrup and molasses.
  These are carbs you need to watch out for also

Carbohydrates have by far the greatest impact on your short-term blood sugar levels.
Fat plays only a minor role in short term blood sugars and protein takes several hours to show up as a blood sugar.
Carbohydrates are the key.
The amount of carbohydrate to have for each meal and/or snack could be discussed with a dietitian who specializes in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The lower your blood sugar level, the less your insulin resistance is aggravated and your insulin level will then not need to rise.
High insulin levels prevent fat breakdown ...
so insulin prevents weight loss also.