People with diabetes require a special diet that balances calories throughout the day with energy needs, with the ultimate goal of maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range. If you have diabetes it is a good idea to be evaluated by a diabetic educator and registered dietitian to acquire an understanding of your personal dietary needs.
Carbohydrate intake is of particular importance since it has the most immediate effect on blood sugar changes. What many diabetics often fail to understand is that all foods and beverages with calories raise blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is constantly changing, but ultimately should be maintained within the normal range. So, there is more to a diabetic diet than simply being "sugar free."
What to Look for
Foods for diabetics include foods from all food groups. The most important aspect for diabetics when it comes to eating well is portion control and balance. Diabetics should control calories; the target is typically a range of about 1,500 to 2,400 calories per day for adults, depending on height and activity level. If you are overweight, you should lose weight.
Heart health is also of concern for diabetics, so choosing foods low in saturated fat is a good idea. Choose low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish and skinless poultry. A diabetic diet should include mostly complex forms of carbohydrates that are spaced fairly evenly throughout the day. Fiber is important to a diabetic diet since it slows down the absorption of glucose to the bloodstream, helping to manage blood sugars. High-fiber foods include whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pastas and whole fruits and vegetables. Simple forms of carbohydrates found in candy, baked goods, fruit juices and sugars should be limited.
Common Pitfalls
There are many "special" foods marketed specifically to those with diabetes that are not entirely necessary. If you need to lose weight, you should reduce caloric intake and avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods.
Foods high in sugar such as regular sodas, sugary teas, coffee drinks and candy should be avoided. Artificial sweeteners or diet soft drinks can have a place in the diet with moderation, but all foods labeled "sugar free" should not be eaten with abandon. For example, one slice of sugar-free apple pie provides about 42 g of carbohydrates and 300 calories, and one slice of regular apple pie provides about the same calories and carbohydrates per serving! The sugar-free pie still gets carbohydrates from the apples and the crust and both will similarly affect your blood sugar levels. Your goal: Eat a very small piece of pie occasionally and account for it in your meal plan.
Look out for herbs or special supplements claiming to have glucose-lowering effects. Herbs are not regulated or tested for quality or content by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so these may provide claims without having to show any evidence of effectiveness. Consult your physician before taking any supplement or herb.
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