Diabetes type 2 is a condition where the body cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood, and the main symptoms to look out for are urinating more often than usual and feeling very thirsty.
If the condition is left untreated it can result in more serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, so it is important to recognise the signs.
What you eat can impact on your blood sugar levels, and certain foods will not raise your blood sugar.
You can avoid a blood sugar spike by opting for whole grain pasta, according to health experts.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found whole grain consumption benefited insulin sensitivity. Fasting insulin rates were 10 per cent lower after consumption.
Nutritionists at Healthline recommend when shopping or eating out, opt for whole grains like millet or quinoa instead of white grains.
The site says: “White grains are high in carbohydrates and can cause spikes. Whole grains have higher amounts of fibre, phytochemical and nutrients, and can help to regulate blood sugar.
Regular snacks can have a negative effect on blood sugar levels, so if you do get peckish between meals, there are three snacks you should always opt for.
Diabetes UK recommends a piece of fruit, rice cakes and fat free yoghurt.
Another snack option for a diabetes diet is nuts.
Nuts are a good source of fibre and are low in digestible carbs – although some have more than others.
Furthermore, research carried out on different nuts has shown regular consumption may reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar.
A study published this year in the Journal of Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders discovered that a group of type 2 diabetes sufferers with raised cholesterol levels experienced benefits to heart health when they ate more almonds.
Certain foods should be avoided to manage symptoms of diabetes and reduce the risk of the condition.
Eating carbohydrates can make your blood sugar shoot up, and Matthew Freeby, MD, director of the Gonda Diabetes Center at UCLA Health, says one particular food that falls into the carbohydrate category should be avoided all together.
Speaking to Prevention, Mr Freeby said popular breakfast item, the bagel, should be crossed off the menu.
He explained: “Many of my patients with diabetes think about sugar as being the worst thing that’s impacting their blood sugar, but it’s really about carbohydrates.
“I tell them to look at nutrition labels for the total carbohydrate content, not just the sugar content.
“Donuts and bagels made with refined and processed grains are major sources of blood-sugar-spiking carbs.”