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Why are whole grains recommended for type 2 diabetes?
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Patricia Schutte, nutritionist
If you have type 2 diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugars. Carbohydrates eventually end up in your blood as sugar. But even with diabetes you need carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide your body with energy and are indispensable for the functioning of your brain.
Whole grain products contain carbohydrates and are in the Wheel of Five because they protect against all kinds of diseases and contain many healthy nutrients. In addition, they contain a lot of fiber that ensures that your blood sugar does not rise too quickly. Healthy products with carbohydrates are: vegetables, fruit, whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, whole-wheat couscous and legumes. Products such as juice, soft drinks, candy, biscuits and sweet desserts also contain a lot of carbohydrates (sugars). It is best to leave these as much as possible.
Some people with diabetes do benefit from a diet with fewer carbohydrates. For others, that’s not the best solution. Carbohydrate counting is often necessary. The doctor, diabetes nurse or dietitian helps each individual determine what works best.
More about healthy eating in type 2 diabetes.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. They don’t diagnose either. The other conditions can be found here.
Patricia Schutte has been working as an information officer at the Nutrition Center in The Hague for more than 25 years. She answers questions about healthy, sustainable and safe food.