Get plenty of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is a nutrient found in the body that contains calcium and phosphorus, chemicals needed for bone growth and strength. It is formed on the skin, when cholesterol at the subcutaneous level interacts with the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Traditionally known as the nutrient to combat osteoporosis (bones becoming brittle due to loss of calcium), Vitamin D has been tested and found to prevent diabetes as well.

Get plenty of Vitamin E: For the past decade, health and nutrition experts have concluded that antioxidants help combat free radicals, bad cells in the body that cause diseases like cancer and type II diabetes, together with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Well, since type II diabetes is a condition of voluntary cell dysfunction, antioxidants can help in this aspect. Antioxidants include among others, Vitamin E.

Important Minerals: Minerals are inorganic nutrients that are essential in normal bodily functions as well as combat diseases, like diabetes. Magnesium and potassium are minerals that aid in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The proper breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates into simple sugars is a function that diabetics lack. Chromium and zinc facilitate the recognition of insulin in the body.

Eat protein serving first. 15 to 20 percent of your total daily caloric intake should be made up of protein. The protein should be distributed throughout all your meals.

An advantage of having protein serving first during mealtime is that it can reduce your carbohydrate intake. The logic here is that you would already fill full after the serving of protein so you would have less inclination to consume carbohydrates.