Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not recognize or produce enough insulin, which regulates the level of blood glucose, or sugar, to provide adequate energy. Nutritious, low-fat diets help control blood sugar levels and also manage weight to avoid complications from diabetes. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight prevents risk factors, such as heart disease, which increase with diabetes. Diabetics stick with a regular eating plan and track their calorie intake for successful diet therapy.
Food Pyramid
A diabetes food pyramid includes six sections, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. A large starch group sits at the base of the pyramid. Fruit and vegetables follow on top with the milk group and meat or meat substitutes above as the pyramid gets smaller. Fats and sweets represent the smallest section at the top of the pyramid.
Healthy Choices
Starches include bread, pasta, corn, potatoes, rice, crackers, pretzels, cereals, beans, yams and lentils. Examples of vegetables include tomatoes, carrots, green beans, celery, greens, cabbage, spinach, broccoli and lettuce. Diabetics can get adequate fruit intake from apples, strawberries, dried fruit, grapefruit, bananas, oranges, peaches, berries and fruit juices.
Low-Fat Considerations
Dairy products play an important role in providing carbohydrates, protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Dietitians usually advise diabetics to drink low-fat or fat-free milk and eat low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Low-fat plain yogurt makes a good substitute for sour cream. Diabetics can enjoy moderate portions of chicken, beef, fish, lamb, pork or turkey. Meat substitutes include eggs, peanut butter, cheese and tofu.
Food Limits
As with many healthy diets, fats and sweets are limited because they offer little nutrition. The saturated and trans fats in these foods can increase the risk of heart disease. High-fat dairy products and animal products can lead to high cholesterol levels, risks diabetics need to avoid. Sweets can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Alcoholic drinks can decrease blood sugar levels when consumed on an empty stomach. Diabetics usually consult with their doctor about drinking alcohol.
Diet Plan
Medical nutrition therapy, or MNT, for diabetes helps people eat nutritious foods in moderate amounts to keep blood sugar levels normal and avoid complications, MayoClinic.com notes. The diet includes healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, to help with digestion and break down blood glucose properly. High-fiber foods and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids make excellent substitutes for high-fat meats to help lower cholesterol. High-fiber foods include fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole-wheat flour and wheat bran. Fish with omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel and herring. Mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, sometimes called the good fats, can replace saturated fats. Good fats include olive oil, olives, avocados, almonds, walnuts and pecans to help lower cholesterol levels. Diabetics can ask their doctor or dietitian about MNT.
