Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar. It results from the body's inability to produce or to use insulin properly, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes. There are a few different types of diabetic diets to follow. Consult with a physician before making any changes to the diet.
Carbohydrate Counting
Foods that contain carbohydrates cause the blood sugar to elevate. Carbohydrates include any food from the starch, fruit or milk group. One method of controlling blood sugar through diet is by carbohydrate counting. People with diabetes who follow the carbohydrate counting diet eat a certain number of grams of carbohydrate at each meal and snack. The amount to consume is usually determined by the doctor or dietitian. Food labels and standard food measures are used to help count, or calculate, carbohydrate intake. Foods high in protein, like meat and poultry, and foods high in fat, like oil and margarine, do not contain carbohydrate. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes include a source of protein and fat at each meal for balance.
Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid
Another diabetic diet is the Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid. The pyramid is similar to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's old food guide pyramid with slight alterations. The Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid plan allows the diabetic to eat a variety of foods from all the different food groups to meet nutrient needs while still controlling intake to maintain blood sugar control. The pyramid provides a range of serving suggestions from each food group. A doctor or dietitian can help provide specific recommendations. The number of servings vary, depending on a person's age, sex and body size and weight goals. People of small stature or those needing to lose weight will need fewer servings.
Diabetes Exchange Diet
The Diabetes Exchange Diet is a more structured meal eating plan for diabetics, with specific recommendations of what to eat from each of the six food groups. The foods are grouped together, based on similarities in carbohydrate, protein and fat content. An exchange is a single serving of an item from a food group. For example, one slice of bread is an exchange from the starch group and 1 cup of milk is an exchange from the milk group. People with diabetes can exchange foods within the selected food group. For example, one slice of bread can be exchanged for five crackers and 1 cup of milk can be exchanged for 1 container of yogurt. A doctor or dietitian can help determine a person's diabetes exchange meal plan.
