Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Most type 2 diabetics produce insulin, but the cells cannot use it properly. Following a therapeutic diet can help people with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar. Basic diets types include carbohydrate counting, the American Diabetes Association Create Your Plate and the diabetes food pyramid. Consult with a physician before making diet changes.
Carbohydrate Counting
Foods with carbohydrate, including foods in the starch, milk and fruit group, cause blood sugars to elevate. Controlling the amount of carbohydrate consumed at each meal can help control blood sugar. The carbohydrate counting diet teaches type 2 diabetics to eat a specific amounts of carbohydrate at each meal, usually 45 to 60g, and snacks, usually 15g, according to the American Diabetes Association. People use standard serving sizes and food labels to count grams of carbohydrate. Protein foods, such as beef and poultry, and fats, such as butter and mayonnaise, do not contain carbohydrate but need to be included at each meal for balance.
Create Your Plate
Create Your Plate is a basic diet created by the American Diabetes Association. It follows simple guidelines to help the type 2 diabetic control portions and calorie intake. The Create Your Plate plan uses a dinner plate to help control intake. The dinner plate is first divided in half and then one side is again divided in half creating three separate sections. The largest section is filled with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and green beans. The other two sections are reserved for the meat portion, such as chicken or beef, and the starch portion, such as rice or potato. To round out the meal, the American Diabetes Association suggests adding an 8 oz. glass of skim milk and a piece of fruit. At breakfast, use the largest section for the starch portion and the two smaller sections for a fruit and a meat.
Diabetes Food Pyramid
The diabetes food pyramid provides a type 2 diabetic with basic healthy eating guidelines to help control weight and blood sugar. The diabetes food pyramid is similar to the old U.S. Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid, with some food items in different groups. It divides foods up into groups based on similarities in calories, carbohydrate and fat content. Foods at the bottom of the pyramid, such as starches, fruits and vegetables, make up the bulk of the diet. Foods at the top of the pyramid, including fats and sweets, should be eaten sparingly. Serving suggestions depend on a person's size, sex and weight loss goals. A doctor or dietitian can help determine appropriate number of servings to have each day from each food group.
