Question:

My Husband has Diabetes Type 2 and he checked his sugar this morning and it was 250. He`s has eaten some eggs and peanut butter afterwards checking the sugar. He works out 3 times a week and has started on a diet. What certain foods will be good for decreasing the sugar and what else will be good for him to do? Also; what are some good websites for him and or books? thanks

Answer:

It is good that your husband is interested in managing his diabetes! And diet, weight control and exercise are all important ways to help control blood sugars. People with diabetes, just like the population in general, need to eat a healthy diet including a variety of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, lean protein and heart-healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Because carbohydrate foods (grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, milk and yogurt and sweets), are digested into blood sugar, a person with diabetes would want to eat a moderate, consistent amount of carbohydrate foods at meals. The amount of carbohydrate food recommended each meal is individualized to the person-there is no ‘one-size-fits-all.’

For that reason, I recommend you and your husband meet with a certified diabetes educator (a health professional specializing in diabetes management). Your doctor may have someone to refer you to or you could go to the American Association of Diabetes Educators for a listing in your area.

Is your husband seeing a doctor for his diabetes? A doctor could evaluate his overall condition and recommend a treatment plan for his diabetes that could include medication, exercise recommendations, weight goals as well as taking care of any other health issues he may have. Because his blood sugar level is more than twice what is recommended for a person with diabetes, it would be advisable for your husband to make an appointment now to meet with his doctor. Diet and exercise are sometimes not enough alone to achieve good blood sugar control. There are many good medications that can help. His doctor could advise on this.

The American Diabetes Association publishes many books to help you and your husband learn about and manage his diabetes. Often the local public library will carry these books. You can also purchase them online as well.  Websites that may contain helpful information are listed below. 

Related Resources:

American Diabetes Association
Joslin Diabetes Association
National Institute of Health Diabetes Education Prgm

For more information:

Go to the Diabetes health topic.