Most of the food people eat turns into glucose, or sugar, during digestion. This sugar serves as the primary source of fuel for the body. Insulin is a hormone responsible for getting sugar from the blood stream into the cell. People with diabetes have elevated blood sugars due to their inability to make enough or properly use insulin. The goal of treatment in people with diabetes is to normalize blood sugars. Diet plays an important role in achieving this goal. Essential foods for the diabetic include a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups.
Starches
Starches make up the bulk of the diet for a diabetic, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, despite being the primary source of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates turn into sugar through digestion. People with diabetes should choose whole grain starches for the fiber content. Fiber in whole grains slows down digestion and the release of sugar into the blood stream. Essential starches for the diabetic include whole wheat bread, whole grain cereal, brown rice, oatmeal, corn, potatoes, peas and whole wheat pasta.
Fruits
Fruits also provide the body with a source of carbohydrate. The American Diabetes Association recommends three to four servings of fruits a day. Whole fruits provide fiber and should be the first choice for a diabetic. In addition to aiding in blood sugar control, the fiber in whole fruit aids in weight management by controlling hunger. Essential fruits for a diabetic include all whole fruits and unsweetened canned and dried fruits. Fruit juice intake should be limited to prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt provide carbohydrate, protein and calcium. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders recommends diabetics get two servings of milk or yogurt a day. Low-fat and nonfat varieties are preferred to limit the intake of saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease. Diabetic choices include skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat plain yogurt, low-fat plain yogurt and nonfat fruited yogurt sweetened with sugar substitute.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes provide essential nutrients for the body including protein, iron and zinc. Diabetics should choose more lean meats to limit saturated fat intake, such as poultry, fish, beef eye of round, pork loin and ham. Other essential foods include egg whites, egg substitutes, tuna packed in water, tofu, low-fat cheese and lean luncheon meats.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables provide vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and potassium. People with diabetes should include three to five servings of non-starchy vegetables in their diet a day, according to the American Diabetes Association. Non-starchy vegetables include broccoli, green beans, leafy greens, spinach, kale, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms and eggplant.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils are a concentrated source of calories and intake should be limited. People with diabetes should choose more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for heart health. Examples include olive oil, vegetable oil, peanut butter, mayonnaise, margarine and salad dressing.
