Diabetes, according to MedLine Plus of the National Institutes of Health, is a disease that originates when insulin in the body, which usually helps to control blood glucose levels, is either not present or is not working properly. Those with diabetes usually take medications and insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels, however it is also important for those with diabetes to control their diets.
Carbohydrate Counting
According to the American Diabetes Association, carbohydrate counting, which involves the distribution of carbohydrates throughout the day to control blood glucose levels, is an effective meal planning technique for individuals with diabetes. Carbohydrate counting involves designating a certain number of "carbohydrate choices" per meal and snack. One carbohydrate choice is worth 15 grams of carbohydrate. Examples of carbohydrate choices are one slice of bread, 1/3 cup cooked pasta or rice, 1/2 cup non-starchy vegetable, or one small piece of fruit, to name a few. For the average 2,000 calorie diet, an individual would have approximately 225 grams of carbohydrates a day, or 15 carbohydrate choices, which would be distributed as approximately four carbohydrate choices per meal and one or two carbohydrate choices per snack.
Limit Saturated Fat Intake
An article in Diabetes Care by the American Diabetes Association stated that individuals with diabetes should limit saturated fat and cholesterol intake by consuming lean meats and low fat dairy products. Limiting such harmful fat intake helps to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertriglyceridemia, or high triglyceride levels in the blood, of which the latter is a risk factor for diabetes. Individuals with diabetes should consume mostly unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as those fats found in plant products such as in canola and olive oils, as well as omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
Protein Intake
Protein intake in individuals with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, is similar to that of healthy individuals. Therefore, intake of protein should consist of 15 percent to 20 percent of calories, or approximately 75 to 100 grams of protein each day for the average 2,000 calorie diet. Protein should be consumed through lean sources of meats, poultry, seafood, low fat dairy products, as well as plant sources of protein such as beans, nuts, and seeds.
Calorie Control for Weight Loss
Treatment of type 1 diabetes may not be affected by weight loss, but type 2 diabetes, which is primarily obesity-related, could be controlled through losing weight. According to the American Diabetes Association, studies have shown that weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes decreased insulin resistance, thus increasing insulin's effectiveness in controlling blood glucose levels. In addition, weight loss was shown to be effective in decreasing blood pressure and triglyceride levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Time Meals Around Medication
According to the National Institutes of Health's MedLine Plus, individuals with diabetes, especially those who take insulin, should be careful to eat meals and snacks at around the same time each day so as to avoid blood sugar highs and lows. Blood sugar highs, or hyperglycemia, and blood sugar lows, hypoglycemia, can both cause nausea, vomiting, headache, among other uncomfortable symptoms. If a diabetic individual experiences hypoglycemia he should consume fruit juice, glucose tablets, or other fast-acting glucose sources that will help to bring blood glucose levels back within normal range fairly quickly. If an individual experiences hyperglycemia, he should increase his medication or insulin dosage as well as increase physical activity. Exercise will naturally aid in decreasing blood glucose levels.
