Diabetes increases a person's risk for heart disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease than people without diabetes. Following a heart-healthy diabetic diet to control blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels can reduce a person's risk for heart disease. Consult with your doctor before making changes to your diet.
Diabetes Exchange Diet
The diabetes exchange diet was developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. It is a structured calorie and carbohydrate-controlled meal plan designed to promote blood sugar control and a healthy weight. Foods are divided into food groups based on similarities in calorie, carbohydrate, protein and fat content. People following the diabetes exchange diet are allowed to eat a certain number of servings, or exchanges, from each food group based on calorie needs. Food items within each group can be exchanged for one another. For example a small apple can be exchanged for a small orange or a 3/4 cup serving of blueberries. The diet encourages heart-healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid
The diabetes food guide pyramid is an eating guide designed to teach people with diabetes how to make healthy food choices to control blood sugar. It is similar to the old U.S. Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid with some modifications specific for diabetes management. The diet emphasizes foods from the bottom of the pyramid, including starches, fruits and vegetables, and it encourages diabetics to eat more whole grains and fresh fruit for the added fiber. Soluble fiber in whole grains and fruits helps to lower blood cholesterol and aids in blood sugar control, according to MayoClinic.com. The diet also encourages people with diabetes to choose more lean meats and low-fat and fat-free dairy products to limit intake of saturated fat. Too much saturated fat in the diet increases blood cholesterol levels. The diabetes food guide pyramid discourages the intake of sweets and fats, both potential contributors to high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels.
Carbohydrate Counting Diet
The carbohydrate counting diet is a meal-planning tool designed to help people with diabetes control blood sugar by controlling carbohydrate intake. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as starches, fruits and milk, cause elevations in blood sugar. Controlling the amount of carbohydrate consumed at each meal can help to control overall blood sugar. The food label and standard serving sizes are used to assist with carbohydrate counting. The carbohydrate counting diet does not provide specific guidelines for heart health but suggests people read food labels to assist with choosing foods low in saturated fat and sodium and high in fiber, according to the American Diabetes Association.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- MayoClinic.com: Your Diabetes Eating Plan: Exchange List
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrate Counting
- NIDDK: What I need to Know About Eating and Diabetes
- NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber: Essential For a Healthy Diet
