Diabetes is caused by a problem with insulin. Either the body is unable to make enough insulin, known as type 1 diabetes, or it cannot properly use the insulin it does make, known as type 2 diabetes. Over 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, according to the Obesity Society. Obesity and inactivity are the primary causes of type 2 diabetes. A 1,500-calorie diabetic diet can help control blood sugar and promote weight loss in active people with diabetes.
Starches
Starches are a major source of carbohydrate in the diet. Carbohydrates cause elevations in blood sugar and people with diabetes need to control their intake to maintain good blood sugar control. While on a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet, people can have eight servings of starch a day. Examples of a starch serving include one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of hot cereal, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cold cereal, 1/2 cup of peas or corn, 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, five crackers, two rice cakes and 3 cups of air-popped popcorn.
People with diabetes should choose more whole grain starches for the fiber. Fiber in food helps to slow down digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar.
Fruits
Fruit is also a source of carbohydrate in the diet. People following a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet can have three fruit servings a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Whole fruits are better choices than juice because of the fiber content, explains MayoClinic.com. A fruit serving is equal to one small apple, 17 grapes, 12 cherries, 1 1/4 cup of strawberries, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 1/2 cup of orange juice, one small orange and 2 tbsp. of raisins.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt provides carbohydrates, protein and calcium. Two servings of milk are recommended on the 1,500-calorie diabetic diet. Low-fat and fat free products are recommended to limit calorie and saturated fat intake. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and need to limit their intake of saturated fat. A serving is equal to 1 cup of milk and an 8 oz. container of yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes do not contain carbohydrate, but are a source of protein and fat. Lean meat choices are recommended when following the 1,500-calorie diabetic diet because of its lower calorie and saturated fat content. Five servings of meat are allowed a day on the calorie-controlled meal plan. A serving is equal to 1 oz. of meat, fish or poultry, 2 egg whites, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of egg substitute.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Low calorie vegetables provide fiber, vitamins and minerals to the diabetic following the 1,500-calorie diabetic diet. Three servings of vegetables are allowed each day. A serving is equal to 1/2 cup of cooked or a 1 cup of raw vegetables. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include carrots, cucumbers, celery, leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms and spinach.
Fat
People with diabetes following a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet can have three servings of fat a day. Careful measuring of fat servings is important because fats provide a concentrated source of calories. A fat serving is equal to 1 tsp. of butter, margarine, oil or mayonnaise; 1 tbsp. of low-fat mayonnaise or regular salad dressing; 2 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing and six almonds.
