Adult-onset diabetes, also called Type 2 diabetes, is the more common form of diabetes. This is caused when the body doesn't make enough insulin for its needs. This can happen because the pancreas is making less insulin than it should be, or because the body's cells develop a resistance to insulin, requiring more to create the same effect. In either case, the sugar that your body's cells would normally use for energy stays in the blood instead. Over time, this may damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart.

To control the effects of type 2 diabetes, it is important to establish good eating habits. A good type 2 diabetes diet helps to even out the blood sugar, allowing the body time to process it. Here are some tips for a balanced type 2 diabetes diet.

For dietary changes, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits is high on the list because they contain more nutrients, more fiber and less sugar and starches. Your best choices are non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, cucumber, or broccoli, and leafy vegetables like spinach or kale.

When you eat grains, choose unprocessed, whole grain foods over highly processed ones. Be sure to read the labels, as many "whole-grain" products may contain processed grains. Whole grains release their sugar more slowly than processed grains, which evens out blood glucose. They also contain more nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Diabetic diet plans should balance your sugar and starch intake against your protein intake, and avoid too much fat. Choose lean cuts of meat, such as beef and pork loin. Include fish in your diet several times a week. When preparing poultry, be sure to remove the skin, which contains most of the fat. Dried beans, such as navy beans, and lentils are another good source of protein.

Cut back on high calorie snacks and drinks. Chips, cookies, candy and cake can spike blood glucose, making it difficult for the body to handle. Soft drinks contain a lot of sugar and very little nutrition, so drink water or choose low-calorie alternatives.

If you have type 2 diabetes don't overdo it! A type 2 diabetes diet should involve keeping protion sizes in control and balancing the things you put on your plate. One half should be a non-starchy vegetable choice. Another quarter should be a protein such as meat, fish or tofu. The final quarter is a whole grain, pasta, potatoes, corn or peas. Following this approach will help to keep your nutrition balanced.

Balancing sugar and starch intake with healthy food choices is the basis for the recommended diet for diabetics. Folling a type 2 diabetes diet will go a long way toward preventing serious damage to your body and will increase life long wellness and health. Good choices means healthy living!