People with diabetes have elevated blood sugars due to a defect in their ability to make or utilize insulin, according to the American Diabetes Association. Lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, can help control blood sugars. A number of healthy diets are available for diabetes control, including the diabetes exchange diet, the carbohydrate counting diet and the diabetes food guide pyramid. A doctor or dietitian can assist with making the best diet choice.
Diabetes Exchange Diet
The diabetes exchange diet was developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. It is a meal planning guide that controls calorie and carbohydrate intake. It divides foods into groups based on similarities in calorie, carbohydrate, protein and fat content. Food groups include starches, fruits, milks, meat and meat substitutes, non-starchy vegetables and fats. On the diabetes exchange diet, diabetics are allowed to have a certain number of servings, or suggestions, based on calorie needs. Food items within each group can be exchanged for one another. For example, 1/3 cup of pasta can be exchanged for 1/3 cup of rice. A doctor or dietitian can help determine calorie and exchange goals.
Carbohydrate Counting
Foods containing carbohydrate, starches, milks and fruits have the greatest affect on blood sugar. The carbohydrate counting diet aids in teaching people with diabetes how to control their carbohydrate intake to better control blood sugar. People are allowed to eat a certain number of carbohydrates at each meal. The American Diabetes Association suggests starting 45 to 60 g. Standard food sizes and food labels are used to assist with carbohydrate counting. Non-starchy vegetables contain some carbohydrate but quantities are low and do not generally need to be counted. Protein and fats can sometimes be forgotten on the carbohydrate counting diet, but it is important to include a source of protein and fat at each meal for balance, says the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid
The diabetes food guide pyramid is based on the old U.S. Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid but with modifications specific for diabetes meal management. The diabetes food guide pyramid teaches people with diabetes how to make healthy food choices and control portions. It encourages the intake of more foods from the bottom of the pyramid, such as starches, fruits and vegetables, and limit the intake of foods from the top of the pyramid, fats and sweets. It also offers serving suggestions from each food group to aid in weight loss and weight control.
