Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar. Most of the food people eat turns into sugar. Primary treatment for diabetes involves diet, exercise and medication. However, people with diabetes do not need to eat special food, but a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods from all the food groups is recommended, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.
Starches
Starches provide the body with carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates are the primary source of sugar for the body. Starches are an important part of a diabetic diet, and people with diabetes need to control the amount they consume to aid in blood sugar control. Whole-grain starches should be the first choice because of their high fiber content. Fiber in food helps to slow down digestion, allowing for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. Starches diabetics can eat include whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain low-sugar cereal, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain crackers, peas, corn, potatoes, rice cakes and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits
Fruits provide carbohydrate, fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Fruit intake also needs to be controlled. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics eat three to four servings of fruits a day. Whole fruit provides fiber, helping with blood sugar control. People with diabetes can drink fruit juice but should limit the amount they consume to a 1/2-cup serving a day. Diabetics can eat all fresh, canned, frozen and dried fruits as long as no sugar has been added. Juice options include orange juice, apple juice and pineapple juice. Prune and cranberry juice should be limited to a 1/3-cup portion, according to MayoClinic.com.
Milk and Yogurt
Diabetics have two to four times greater risk of developing heart disease than people without diabetes, according to the International Federation of Diabetes. Too much saturated fat in the diet leads to higher blood cholesterol levels -- a precursor to heart disease. To decrease risk, people with diabetes should choose low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt foods, including skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat and low-fat plain yogurt and nonfat fruited yogurt sweetened with sugar substitute.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes provide the body with protein, vitamin E, iron and zinc. Some meats also contain high amounts of saturated fat, and people with diabetes should eat lean meats, such as poultry, fish, pork chop and loin, ham, sirloin and top round. Other meat and meat substitutes diabetics can eat include egg whites, egg substitutes, low-fat cheese, lean luncheon meats and tofu.
Non-starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables provide the body with some carbohydrate, vitamin A and vitamin C. The American Diabetes Association says people with diabetes should eat three to five servings of non-starchy vegetables a day. Choices include kale, carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, mushrooms, cabbage and spinach.
Free Foods
Any food or drink that has less than 20 calories and 5g of carbohydrate are considered a free food, according to MayoClinic.com. Diabetics can eat or drink free foods in moderation as often as they like. Free foods include broth, club soda, black coffee, diet soft drinks, sugar-free drink mixes, sugar-free gelatin and salad greens.
