Eat right, stay slim

With almost one million people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Australia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world.

This alarming trend parallels the rise in obesity because the main risk factor is being overweight. This happens because fat interferes with how insulin – a key hormone that allows blood sugars to get into our muscles – does its job.

Previously type 2 diabetes was seen mainly in overweight adults over 50, but now with sedentary living and too much junk and processed foods, the number of younger people being diagnosed is increasing.

People with diabetes should have the same healthy diet that nutritionists recommend for all, which includes plenty of vegies, salads, legumes and fruit.

A great dinner option is our warm pork and chickpea salad. The pork is lean and cooked with little fat, the chickpeas have one of the lowest GI ratings of any carbohydrate, and there are ample vegies to fill you up.

Don’t forget, regular exercise – at least 30 minutes a day – goes a long way in preventing type 2 diabetes. It helps keep weight down, controls blood sugars, reduces high blood pressure and lifts your mood.

Healthy tip
Help ward off diabetes by cutting down on sugar and salt and eating wholegrain breads and low-GI cereals.

Warm pork and chickpea salad
It's important to include lean meats, low-GI carbohydrates and lots of vegies in your diet. This recipe for pork and chickpea salad ticks all three boxes. Get this recipe