Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar. Long-term elevated blood sugars can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and permanent nerve damage, according to the International Federation of Diabetes. Diet, exercise and medication play important roles in managing blood sugar in diabetics. People with diabetes do not need to eat special foods, but making healthy food choices and controlling portions can help improve blood sugar.
Starches
Starches contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in food cause elevations in blood sugar. MayoClinic.com says to choose whole grain starches more often than refined flour starches. Whole grains contain fiber, which slows digestion and the release of sugar into the blood. Safe starch choices for diabetics include whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, whole-grain crackers, whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, corn, peas, potatoes and popcorn.
Fruits
Fruits also act as a source of carbohydrate, and diabetics should limit their intake to three to four servings a day, according to the American Diabetes Association. Whole fruits are the safest fruit choices for diabetics. Whole fruits, like whole grains, contain fiber and aid in blood sugar control. Whole fruit choices include fresh and unsweetened canned frozen or dried varieties.
Milk and Yogurt
Of the dairy foods, milk and yogurt are the only ones with carbohydrate. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders recommends two servings a day. Safe choices for diabetics include skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat plain yogurt, low-fat plain yogurt and nonfat sugar free fruited yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Risk of heart disease is two to four times greater in diabetics than non-diabetics, according to the International Federation of Diabetes. Lean meat and meat substitutes are the safest foods for diabetics to eat. Examples include white meat poultry, ham, fish, pork chop, top sirloin, lean ground meat, lean luncheon meats, low-fat cheese, egg whites, egg substitutes, tofu and shellfish.
Non-starchy Vegetables
Diabetics should include a variety of non-starchy vegetables in their diet. Non-starchy vegetables provide fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. People with high intakes of vegetables have lower rates of some cancers and heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, mushrooms and eggplant.
Free Foods
Diabetic free foods contain fewer than 20 calories and 5g of carbohydrate per serving. Free foods are safe to eat in moderate amounts, according to MayoClinic.com. Safe free foods for diabetics include broth, club soda, diet soda, sugar-free gelatin, herbs, spices, mustard, lemon juice and vinegar.
