Insulin transports sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. People with diabetes have high blood sugar due to an inability to make enough insulin or properly use the insulin they do make. In order to control blood sugar, those with diabetes need to eat a healthy diet, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Stocking the cupboards with healthy foods from the grocery store is the first step. Making a grocery list can help the diabetic select the best foods.
Produce
The produce aisle includes fresh fruits and vegetables. People with diabetes should aim for 3 to 4 servings of fruits and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables a day, according to the American Diabetes Association. Fresh fruit choices to add to the food shopping list include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, melons, berries and pears. Vegetable choices to add include leafy greens, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and green beans.
Dairy
Some foods in the dairy aisle may be high in fat and saturated fat. Too much saturated in the diet increases blood cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. Healthy foods to add to the diabetic shopping list in the dairy aisle include low-fat cheese, skim milk, low-fat and nonfat plain or fruit yogurt, eggs, margarine and low-fat cottage cheese. Those with high cholesterol should limit their intake of egg yolks to twice a week.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Choices in the meat aisle can also be a source of saturated fat. Lean meat choices include London broil, beef eye of round, pork loin, chicken and turkey breast. Lean luncheon meats and fish without breading are also healthy choices. For heart health, the American Heart Association recommends eating oily fish, like salmon and tuna, twice a week.
Bakery
Most baked goods contain high amounts of sugar and fat. People with diabetes do not need to avoid sweet baked goods all together, states the American Diabetes Association, but they should limit their intake of these foods. Healthy choices in the bakery aisle include whole wheat bread, bagels and tortillas.
Canned and Dry Goods
The canned and dry goods aisle can be a good place to find foods high in fiber. Fiber slows down digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Canned and dry goods to add to the diabetic shopping list include canned and dried beans, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, barley, whole grain cereal and oatmeal.
Snacks
Snacking is an important part of a healthy diet because it helps control hunger. Healthy snack choices for diabetics to put on their shopping lists include nuts, rice cakes, whole grain crackers, pretzels, air-popped popcorn, sugar-free ice pops and sugar-free jello.
Miscellaneous Foods
Herbs, spices and condiments add flavor to food and can help replace salt. Good choices include dried herb and spice mixes without added salt, vinegars, mustard and low-fat salad dressing. Spray-oil and sugar substitutes are also good additions to the diabetic grocery list.
