Diabetic diet definition and facts
What is a diabetic diet?
A diabetes meal plan (diabetes diet) is a nutritional guide for people with diabetes that helps them decide when to consume meals and snacks as well as what type of foods to eat. There is no one predetermined diabetes diet that works for all people with diabetes. The goal of any diabetic meal plan is to achieve and maintain good control over the disease, including control of blood glucose and blood lipid levels as well as to maintaining a healthy weight andgood nutrition.
Health care professionals and nutritionists can offer advice to help you create the best meal plan to manage your diabetes. Nutritionists can help you find recipes and cooking tips to help with meal planning and preparation.
Are there diabetic diet guidelines?
There is no single diabetic diet that is appropriate for all people with type 2, gestational, or type 1 diabetes just as there is no single medication regimen that is appropriate for everyone with this disease. Dietary choices depends upon many factors including your age and gender, overall exercise and activity level, any medications you may be taking (including insulin or others), and whether or not you are trying to lose weight, among other factors.
Some meal planning tools and guidelines include:
Most doctors and health care professionals agree that patients with diabetes can eat most of the same foods and meals as the rest of the family with some added attention to timing of meals and portion sizes. As in any healthy diet, it is best to consume a variety of foods. There are numerous recipes and apps if you need ideas for healthy foods to eat.
Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of foods including:
One example of a diabetic meal plan for people who also have elevated cholesterol levels is known as the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) plan. This meal plan is designed to help you manage your disease and by lowering your cholesterol level and helping you lose weight. The TLC diet is defined as follows:
How many carbs, fats, and proteins can I eat on a healthy diabetic meal plan?
The number of carbohydrates (carbs), fats, and proteins in your plan will depend upon the ideal number of calories you should consume each day. Your age, gender, the amount of exercise you get, and your activity level affect the number of calories you need to eat in order to gain, lose, or maintain a healthy weight.
A high-fiber diet has been shown to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Fiber can be found in many foods, especially whole grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, and fruits.
Can I have sugar on a diabetic meal plan?
Most doctors and other medical or health care professional believe that people on a diabetic diet can have small amounts of sugar, so long as they are part of a healthy and balanced nutrition strategy. Table sugar does not raise blood glucose more than starches.
Can I have alcohol on a diabetic diet?
It may be OK for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol in moderation. It is best to drink alcohol when your blood sugar levels are under good control, and it is important to remember that wine and mixed drinks contain sugar, and alcohol has a lot of calories. Your doctor or health care professional can tell you if alcohol can be a safe part of your meal plan.
What foods raise blood sugar levels?
The extent to which carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels is known as their glycemic index. High glycemic index foods raise glucose levels faster and to a greater degree than low glycemic index foods.
High glycemic index foods include:
What foods help maintain good blood sugar levels?
These foods can fill you up without dramatic rises in blood glucose levels, for example:
Proteins and fiber can also help you feel full without raising blood sugar levels as much as carbohydrates.
References
American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet." Updated: Jul 01, 2015.Diabetes Diet Plan: Foods That Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels
