Type 2 diabetes: The best type of cheese to help keep diabetes under control

The most obvious dietary change people with type 2 diabetes are advised to make is to cut down on sugar. But it’s also vital to limit consumption of foods which are high in fat and calories, as these can lead to weight gain and being overweight increases the risk of diabetes-associated complications. Having diabetes already increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and being overweight raises the risk even more. Cheese is a much-loved treat for many people all over the world, but unfortunately it can be high in both fat and calories.

These [dairy products] all contain proteins and vitamins and are an important source of calcium, which help to keep your bones and teeth strong

Diabetes UK

But cheese is also a great source of many vitamins, minerals and proteins which are an essential part of a balanced diet, so it’s not advisable not to cut out cheese or dairy products entirely.

“All of us, whether we have diabetes or not, need some dairy products (or non-dairy alternatives like soya products) such as milk, cheese and yogurt every day,” said Diabetes UK.

“These all contain proteins and vitamins and are an important source of calcium, which help to keep your bones and teeth strong.”

So what is the best type of cheese to eat to avoid weight gain and keep diabetes under control?

Diabetes UK recommends opting for brie, edam and reduced-fat hard cheeses, such as ‘lighter’ cheddar, as these are lower in fat than regular hard cheeses and blue cheeses like stilton.

Theses types of cheese are still high in fat, though, so keep an eye on portion sizes.

Health experts recommend eating no more than 30g of cheese per day, which is about the size of a matchbox.

For an even healthier alternative, cottage cheese, quark and reduced-fat cream cheese are lower in fat.

This types of cheese could also be added to meals as a replacement to butter, such as in mashed potato.

If you prefer cheese with more flavour, mature cheeses are a good option as their stronger taste means you don’t have to eat as much to satisfy your craving.

Diabetes type 2: Foods to lower blood sugar

Diabetes type 2: Foods to lower blood sugar.

Diabetes type 2: Foods to lower blood sugar

With milder cheeses you may need to eat more to enjoy the full taste, which means more fat and more calories.

You can also make hard cheese go further by grating it instead of slicing it.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which a person has too much sugar in their blood.

The condition can be treated with medication, but it’s also essential to follow a healthy, balanced diet in order to prevent complications from occurring.

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to problems with the heart, eyes, nerves, kidneys and feet.

As well as cutting down on unhealthy foods, people with diabetes are advised to exercise regularly to keep healthy and prevent weight gain.

Diabetes: Four common symptoms

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.

There are two main types – type 1, when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells, and type 2, when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin.

Type 2 is more common that type 1, with 90 per cent of all diabetics in the UK having type 2.

Frequent urinating

Going to the toilet a lot more than usual, especially at night, is a common sign of diabetes.

Urinating frequently is also a sign of other medical issues, such as prostate problems, so be sure to visit your GP to have diabetes confirmed.

Thirst

Excessive thirst, otherwise known as polydipsia, is a classic sign of diabetes. It is linked to frequent urination.

As excess glucose builds up in the blood, the kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter and absorb the excess sugar, and if they can’t keep up, the excess sugar is excreted in to urine, taking along fluids from body tissue.

This triggers more urination, which may leave diabetics dehydrated.

Blurred vision

High levels of blood sugar can cause the lens inside the eye to swell, which can result in blurred eyesight.

Very low blood sugar levels can also cause blurred vision.

Weight loss

If you aren’t trying to lose weight, and you notice a loss of muscle bulk or the numbers on the scales drop, this could be a sign of diabetes.

This happens because insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood to the cells to use as energy.

The body will then start burning fat and muscle for energy, causing weight loss.

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