When you have diabetes, your body doesn't produce insulin or enough of it, or it cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to complications such as nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease and limb amputation. Altering your diet helps to control blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. However, according to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as those who don't have the disease. So, it's important that you find a sensible diet, rather than an unproven or potentially dangerous one
Step 1
Consult an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diabetes care. Ask about the best ways to change your diet to manage your condition. Your endocrinologist may also recommend that you work with a dietician or diabetes teacher.
Step 2
Work with your endocrinologist or nutritionist to create a customized menu based on your health needs and your lifestyle and ethnic or cultural food preferences.
Step 3
Visit your local library and conduct a search books on diabetes diets from reputable organizations such as the Mayo Clinic or ADA.
Step 4
Check out the ADA's website for its selection of diet books, which includes the "All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook," "The Diabetes Seafood Cookbook," and the popular "Magic Menus for People with Diabetes."
Step 5
Join a diabetes support group and get nutrition ideas from diabetes educators and other people who have the condition.
Step 6
Take the Diabetes Meal Planning Tutorial at MedlinePlus.com. Find the link in the Resources section of this article.
Tips and Warnings
- To make controlling your diet and your diabetes easier, be aware of the basics. The National Institutes of Health advises limiting sweets, eating often, monitoring your carbohydrate intake, eating less fat and cutting back on alcohol.
- If you are on diabetes medication, do not stop taking it because you've changed your diet. Consult your doctor first. Part of your diet plan should include what to do when you're feeling sick. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, blood glucose levels can surge during illness and you may not be able to eat your usual foods. Speak to your doctor, nutritionist or diabetes educator about how to supplement or change your diet when you're sick.
