Diabetes is an illness that causes your blood sugar levels to rise abnormally. By avoiding certain foods and sticking to a healthy diet, you can reduce the effects of diabetes and keep your blood sugar under control. Stick to a diabetes-friendly diet by choosing foods that are less processed and avoiding unhealthy items that are full of cholesterol, fat and sugar. Talk to your doctor to determine an appropriate diet plan for your condition.
Step 1
Watch your carbohydrate consumption. MayoClinic.com says carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your daily caloric intake if you suffer from diabetes. Choose healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Keeping your carbohydrate intake low will help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Step 2
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. If you have diabetes, try not to eat large amounts of butter, margarine and shortening. Fatty foods contribute to hardened arteries and heart problems. Replace high-fat items in your diet with low-fat substitutes whenever possible. Foods that contain unsaturated fats, such as nuts and olive oil, make a healthy addition to a diabetes diet.
Step 3
Reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet. Try to consume fewer than 200 mg of cholesterol per day. Avoid eating fatty pieces of meat and switch to low-fat dairy products. Replace whole eggs with egg substitute products to further reduce your cholesterol levels.
Step 4
Cut back on sugary foods. The MedlinePlus website suggests limiting the amount of sweets you eat if you suffer from diabetes. This includes cutting back on your alcohol intake. Sugar and alcohol can significantly raise blood glucose levels.
Step 5
Eat more fish. MayoClinic.com recommends eating fish twice a week as part of a healthy diabetes diet. Fish is low in cholesterol and saturated fats and loaded with essential fatty acids that can lower your triglyceride levels.
Tips and Warnings
- Plan your meals ahead of time and stay on an eating schedule to stick to your diabetes diet. Letting yourself get too hungry and not having a meal plan set makes it easier to eat a large amount of unhealthy foods. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian who will offer expert advice and determine a precise meal plan to fit your needs.
