Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugars due to an inability to make enough insulin or effectively use the insulin the sugars make. Diet, exercise and medication all play key roles in helping to manage diabetes and blood sugar. The diabetic diet encourages you to eat a healthy diet that includes a wide variety of foods from each of the food groups.
Starches
Starchy foods make up the bulk of the diet for people with diabetes. Starches contain carbohydrates which are the components in food responsible for raising blood sugars. Controlling the amount of starch you eat each day can help you manage your blood sugar. Intake is usually limited to six to 11 servings a day, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. High-fiber starches, like whole grains, make better choices for diabetics. Fiber in food slows the rate food is digested and the rate sugar is released into the bloodstream. Proper starch choices for diabetes include whole-wheat bread products, whole-grain cereal, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, grains, legumes, peas, corn, winter squash, potatoes, popcorn, pretzels, graham crackers and animal crackers.
Fruits
Foods in the fruit group also act as a source of carbohydrate. The NIDDK states to limit intake to two to four servings a day. For better blood sugar control, eat more whole fruit for its fiber content. Proper fruit choices for diabetics include bananas, apples, applesauce, oranges, berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, mangoes, pineapple, plums, grape, cherries, grapefruit, unsweetened canned fruit, raisins and fruit juice.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt intake is limited to two servings a day because it's also a major source of carbohydrate in the diet. For heart health, choose low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt products. The saturated fat found in full-fat dairy foods increases blood-cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Proper milk and yogurt choices for diabetics include 1-percent fat milk, skim milk, low-fat and nonfat plain yogurt and nonfat sugar-free fruit yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes don't contain carbohydrates, but provide you with protein and important vitamins and minerals. Intake varies from 4 to 7 oz. a day, according to the NIDDK. Limit calorie and fat intake by selecting lean and low-fat meat choices. Proper lean meat choices include white meat skinless poultry, fish, shellfish, ham, pork tenderloin, top sirloin, lean ground meat and lean luncheon meat. Proper low-fat meat substitutes for diabetics include egg whites, egg substitutes, nonfat and low-fat cheese and tofu.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetable intake isn't restricted on the diabetic diet. Non-starchy vegetables provide high amounts of vitamins and minerals in low-calorie packages. Proper non-starchy vegetable choices for diabetics include leafy greens, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, carrots, green beans, onions, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and asparagus.
Fats
Fat intake should be limited to no more than three or four servings a day on the diabetic diet, according to the NIDDK. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats make proper choices for people with diabetes and include margarine, olive oil, soy oil, peanut butter and walnuts.
