Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body processes blood sugar, according to MayoClinic.com. Diabetes types 1 and 2 are chronic conditions that are caused by too much glucose in your blood. If you suffer from diabetes, you can help control your blood sugar levels through a healthy diet. Talk to your doctor before starting any new meal plan to determine the best foods for you to eat.
Step 1
Choose healthy carbohydrates. Don't shy away from all carbs like you might with some fad diet plans. Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and white bread, which are quickly and easily converted to blood sugar. Instead, choose complex carbs such as fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Step 2
Prepare plenty of high-fiber foods. Use whole wheat bread if you are preparing sandwiches to add fiber to your meals. Dietary fiber can help control blood sugar levels.
Step 3
Consider serving fish, a very healthy option when choosing a protein for a diabetic menu. MayoClinic.com recommends that people with diabetes eat fish twice per week. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your heart healthy.
Step 4
Use healthy, unsaturated fats when cooking your meals, such as olive oil and nut oils, but use them sparingly.
Step 5
Consider the glycemic index of the foods you prepare. Foods with a high glycemic index are more likely to raise your blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. Add low-glycemic-index foods such as beans, fruit and whole grains to your diabetic-friendly menu.
Step 6
Avoid unhealthy fats, especially trans fats, which are often found in margarine and processed foods. Try not to cook with too many saturated fats, such as full-fat dairy products and animal fats, including bacon. If you have diabetes, less than 7 percent of your daily fat intake should come from saturated fats, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 7
Add low-cholesterol foods to your menu to keep it healthy for diabetics. If you have diabetes, try to keep cholesterol intake under 200 mg per day. Avoid high-cholesterol foods such as eggs, shellfish, organ meats and high-fat animal proteins.
Step 8
Go easy on the salt. A diabetic menu should include less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day.
