How does Diabetes Type 2 change what I eat?

So my mom was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (at the age of 51), despite having lost 40 pounds in the last several months and now being in a healthy weight range.

Though many people diagnosed with Type II diabetes control it well with weight loss, it simply doesn't "fix" it for everyone. I'm at a very lean weight now (about 10.5% bodyfat) and still incredibly diabetic. I was originally diagnosed Type II, but further testing shows my pancreas produces almost no insulin, so I'm technically "LADA" - Latent AutoImmune Diabetes in Adulthood... an Adult-onset Type I.

I've heard that one trick is to lower your cholesterol, but I'm not sure what that means, other than that eggs have cholesterol in them (and I love eggs!), but it's a good type of cholesterol? Can someone explain eggs and cholesterol to me?

Though many people with diabetes have elevated cholesterol, there is no research or evidence whatsoever showing elevated cholesterol CAUSES diabetes. Reducing total carbohydrate intake and especially refined/processed carbohydrate (flours/sugars) will improve your lipid profile by increasing HDL and reducing serum triglycerides, just FYI.

As for eggs - the dietary cholesterol in eggs has almost no effect on your serum cholesterol levels. Eggs are healthy, eat them if you like them :-)

For the most part, I've just learned that I need to eat foods that rank low on the glycemic index and avoid processed sugars and tons of carbs, as well as exercise regularly.

Those are great starts. The other thing is to get a blood test known as a HbA1c on a regular basis - with a genetic predisposition I recommend once a year. (Those with diabetes are generally tested every 3 months). Truly NORMAL HbA1c levels are 5.5% and under, although the actual diagnostic criteria for diagnosing diabetes or pre-diabetes varies by country. The HbA1c is a much-better indicator of glycaemic health than the old-standard, the fasting blood glucose test, so if your doctor recommends a fasting glucose test, please stress you'd prefer an HbA1c if your insurance covers it.

For the last week I've been eating fairly good (although it's been a TON of protein), I think-- although I'm not sure if my diet is enough to help me avoid diabetes. I absolutely want to lead a lifestyle to help me avoid this in the future.

Once of the BEST resources for diabetes information is the website www.bloodsugar101.com. It's full of incredible information and has helped many diabetics control their blood glucose.

It's great that you're starting to make changes in your food choices and exercise. Many communities have programs around healthy eating and exercise, and often hospitals offer free or very low cost classes about diabetes, cholesterol, nutrition, etc. Check around to see what's available, because the moe you learn about nutrition and food, the better you'll be able to promote your health. ~Lynn /Glucerna