10/12/2025
Food and fluid facts
1. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by chronically high blood sugar levels and is caused by an inability to produce enough insulin to lower blood sugars or by cells being unable to use insulin properly.
2. Fiber reduces the risk of developing type 2 because it improves the body's ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugars.
3. A low fiber diet (which tends to be high in simple carbs) increases the risk of developing type 2 and heart disease.
4. Your fiber intake should be approx 14g of fiber for every 1000 calories eaten.
- whole fruits instead of juices.
- Wholegrain bread/rice/pasta over the white variety.
- Raw veg as snacks instead of processed snacks.
5. If you don't eat enough protein when dieting to lose weight, you lose quite a bit of muscle and this in turn hampers your weight as it:
- causes your basal metabolic rate to drop.
- reduces the number of calories you burn in a workout.
- hampers the metabolism of glucose and lipids (fats)
6. Healthy fats, like those found in meat, dairy, olive oils, avocados, nuts and seeds help your body to (among other things):
- absorb other nutrients that you feed it.
- nourish the nervous system.
- maintain cell structures.
- regulate hormone levels.
7. The human body is about 65% water and muscles are about 70% water so staying hydrated is extremely important in maintaining optimal levels of health and body functions.
8. The digestion, transportation and absorption of nutrients from food depends on proper fluid intake and staying hydrated also helps prevent injuries in the gym by cushioning joints and other soft tissue areas.
Louise