Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar due to poor insulin production or the body's inability to properly use the insulin it makes, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes. There are a number of different types of diets people with diabetes can choose from. Consult with a physician before making changes to the diet.
Carbohydrate Counting Diet
Foods containing carbohydrates, such as starches, fruits and milk, cause the blood sugar to rise, therefore controlling carbohydrates in the diet can help control blood sugar. Carbohydrate counting is a diet method people with diabetes can use to manage their blood sugar. It features a set number of grams of carbohydrate to be consumed at each meal. A doctor or dietitian usually determines the number of carbohydrates to consume, but people generally start at 45 to 60g per meal, according to the American Diabetes Association. Non-carbohydrate containing foods, such as meat and fats, should be consumed with each meal, in addition to the carbohydrates, for balance.
Glycemic Index Diet
The glycemic index diet is another type of diet for diabetes. The glycemic index ranks foods, primarily carbohydrate containing foods, on how it effects blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index, a number greater than or equal to 75, have a greater effect on blood sugar than foods with a low glycemic index, a number less than or equal to 55. People with diabetes who follow the glycemic index to manage blood sugars choose mostly low glycemic index foods to eat. These foods include pumpernickel bread, brown rice, oatmeal, oranges, apples, corn, legumes and milk, according to the dietitian website RD411. High glycemic index foods, such as watermelon, popcorn and wheat bread, can be consumed if combined with a low glycemic index food, says the American Diabetes Association. Meats, fats and non-starchy vegetables, do not have glycemic numbers because they do not contain carbohydrates, but they should be consumed with meals for nutrition and balance.
Diabetes Exchange Diet
The diabetes exchange diet was developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. It is the most structured of all the diabetic diet plans. It divides foods up into the basic food groups, including starches, fruits, vegetables, milks, meats and fats. A dietitian or doctor will determine how many servings a person needs from each food group based on calorie needs. Food items within each group contain the same amount of calories and carbohydrate and can be exchanged for one another. For example, a small apple can be exchanged for 1 cup of cut-up cantaloupe or 1/2 of a grapefruit. The diabetes exchange diet controls the intake of both carbohydrate and non-carbohydrate containing food and is a good diet to help people with diabetes lose weight.
