There is no one-size-fits-all diabetic diet. Diabetics can eat anything that other people can eat, as long as they maintain near-normal levels of blood sugar and blood pressure, according to Colorado State University. You have to also take into account physical activity, metabolism, medication and lifestyle requirements.
Goals of a Diabetic Diet
People with type 1 diabetes need to learn which foods and activities will elevate their blood glucose level. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose along with consistent eating habits---especially eating consistent amounts of carbohydrates---will keep blood glucose near normal levels. Using multiple daily injections helps them adjust to changes in blood glucose levels.
People with type 2 diabetes that control the disease with oral medication need to achieve and maintain normal body weight. Even small to moderate weight loss can improve diabetes control.
Plate Method
There are several strategies for planning your daily meals. The plate method uses a 9-inch plate to measure foods. At each meal, half the plate should be covered with vegetables, 1/4 of the plate should be covered with grains or starchy vegetables and the remaining quarter of the plate should be covered with protein. In addition, have a serving of nonfat dairy and a serving of fruit with each meal. Keep fats to a minimum, avoiding fried food and fatty condiments. Don't use added salt and sugar.
Diabetic Exchange Diet
The diabetic exchange diet divides food into six groups: starch that includes cereals, grains, pasta, bread, beans and starchy vegetables, meat and meat-substitutes, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits, milk and fats. In each group, items can be substituted for each other as each item on the exchange list for that category has approximately the same amount of fat, calories and carbohydrates. Work with your doctor and a dietitian to develop a plan for the number of servings of each group you should eat per day, creating a diet rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories.
Carbohydrate Counting
The American Diabetes Association recommends using the plate method described above or carbohydrate counting to manage your diet. Your doctor will recommend about 45 to 60 g of carbohydrate per meal and a limit of total carbohydrate grams per day. Eat carbohydrates consistently throughout the day to keep blood glucose even. Food portions depend on how many carbohydrate your doctor says you should eat per meal. Keeping track of carbohydrates and of blood glucose levels helps you learn what foods trigger a rise in blood glucose levels. Foods that contain carbohydrates include starchy foods, fruit and juice, milk and yogurt, beans and soy products, starchy vegetables and sweet foods.
Summary
A diabetes diet depends your your weight, activity level, medications and general health. Whatever method you use for keeping track of your dietary intake should help you balance nutrients so that you eat a diet rich in vegetables and low in calories and fat. You should consult your doctor and a dietitian to develop a diet specifically for your needs.
