Diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes. People with diabetes have elevated blood sugars due to an inability to make enough or properly use insulin, the hormone responsible for getting sugar from the bloodstream into the cell. Food is the primary source of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes do not need to eat special foods, but they do need to follow a healthy diet. Consult with a physician before making changes to the diet.
Starches
Starches are the primary source of carbohydrates in the diet. Carbohydrates in foods like starches, fruits and milk cause elevations in blood sugar. Despite the carbohydrate content, starches are a diabetic friendly food, but types and portion sizes are important, says the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. People with diabetes should choose whole-grain starches over refined grain versions for the fiber content. The fiber in whole grains helps control blood sugar by slowing down digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Whole grain diabetic friendly foods include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, oats, whole grain cereal and barley. Other diabetic friendly starch choices for the diabetic include peas, corn, potatoes, rice cakes, pretzels and animal crackers.
Vegetables
All vegetables are diabetic friendly. Vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates and high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Healthy vegetable choices include carrots, green beans, onions, mushrooms, eggplant, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, cucumbers and peppers.
Fruits
Fresh, unsweetened frozen and unsweetened canned fruit are diabetic friendly foods. Fruits are a source of carbohydrates and portion sizes need to be controlled to help manage blood sugar. Fruits are nutrient dense and contain fiber, vitamin C and potassium. People with diabetes should eat the whole fruit instead of drinking its juice because the fiber in the whole fruit helps to control both blood sugar and hunger.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt provide calcium, protein and carbohydrates. It is recommended people with diabetes choose low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt foods to limit fat and calorie intake. Skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat plain yogurt and nonfat sugar-free yogurt are diabetic friendly foods.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Diabetic friendly meat and meat substitutes include poultry, fish, shellfish, lean beef, lean pork, egg whites, tofu, low-fat cheese, low-fat cottage cheese and canned tuna packed in water. These lean sources of protein are preferred because they are low in saturated fat and calories. The International Diabetes Federation warns that people with diabetes have higher rates of heart disease and too much saturated fat in the diet can cause elevations in blood cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.
Fats
For heart health, diabetics should use more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, margarine, salad dressing, peanut butter and walnuts. Fats are a concentrated source of calories and small portions are recommended.
