Most food is turned into glucose, or blood sugar, as a source of energy for the body. Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. People with diabetes either do not make enough insulin or cannot properly use it, resulting in elevated blood sugars. Treatment for diabetes usually involves medication and diet modification. Diabetics do not need to eat special food, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, but they do need to make healthy choices and eat a variety of foods from all the food groups.
Starches
A source of carbohydrate, starches provide the majority of the glucose in the diet. People with diabetes should not avoid starches, but control the amount they consume. In addition, choosing more whole grain starches can help improve blood sugar control. Fiber found in whole grains slows down digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Starch products that the person with diabetes should eat include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole grain cereal and crackers, oatmeal, peas, corn, potatoes, air-popped popcorn and rice cakes.
Fruits
Fruits also act as a source of carbohydrate in the diet. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes consume 3 to 4 servings of fruits a day. In addition to providing carbohydrates, fruits also contain fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Fresh and unsweetened canned and dried fruit are the best choices for diabetics. Juice intake should be limited because of its rapid digestion leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar.
Milk and Yogurt
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease, according to the International Federation of Diabetes, and should limit their intake of saturated fat. Low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt products are preferred; these can include items such as skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, plain low-fat and nonfat yogurt and nonfat fruited yogurt sweetened with sugar substitutes.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meats can also be a source of saturated fat in the diet, and people with diabetes should choose leaner cuts of meat to limit intake. Lean meat products for diabetics include poultry, fish, beef eye of round, top sirloin, ham and pork loin. Other meats and products allowed include low-fat hot dogs, lean luncheon meats, low-fat cheese, egg whites, egg substitutes and tofu.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Fresh, frozen and low-sodium canned non-starchy vegetable products are good choices for the diabetic. Non-starchy vegetables provide high amounts of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A in a very low calorie package. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, kale and artichokes.
Fats and Oils
For heart health, people with diabetes should choose more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fat products include olive oil, canola oil, avocados, peanuts and peanut butter. Polyunsaturated fat products include margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing and walnuts. Fats act as a source of concentrated calories and people with diabetes should limit serving sizes to prevent excessive calorie intake.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Your Diabetes Eating Plan: Exchange Lists
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders: What I Need to Know About Eating and Diabetes
- International Diabetes Federation: What is Diabetes?
- International Diabetes Federation: Complications of Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Virtual Grocery Store: Produce
