Diabetes is a chronic illness that involves the body's inability to make enough insulin or properly use it. Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Carbohydrate-containing foods, such as starch, fruit, milk and yogurt, contributes to sugar in the bloodstream. Following a healthy diet that controls the amount of carbohydrate you eat at each meal can help you manage your diabetes. The amount of carbohydrate you need at each meal depends on your calorie needs and blood sugar goals. You can, however, start at 45 g to 60 g, according to the American Diabetes Association. Consult a doctor or dietitian to help you determine your individual needs.
Breakfast
In general, each serving of a food with carbohydrate contains 12 g to 15 g of carbohydrate. For example, one slice of bread and a small orange contain 15 g of carbohydrates and 1 cup of milk contains 12 g. Having a good understanding of food serving sizes and carbohydrate content can help you create carbohydrate-controlled meals. An example of a carbohydrate-controlled diabetic breakfast meal includes two slices of whole wheat toast with 1 tsp. of margarine, one scrambled egg and a medium banana. Another example may include 3/4 cup whole grain cereal with 1 cup of nonfat milk and 1 cup of sliced strawberries.
Lunch
Reading food labels can also help you manage carbohydrate intake. Pay attention to the serving size and total grams of carbohydrate when reading the food label. Examples of a diabetic carbohydrate-controlled lunch meal includes 2 cups of beef barley soup with a 6 oz. container of non-fat, sugar-free yogurt and a tossed salad with 1 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing. Or, you can try a low-calorie frozen meal with 30 g to 45 g of carbohydrate, carrot sticks and 1 cup of fresh grapes. You can also have a slice of cheese pizza from a small pie with a medium pear and a tossed salad with 1 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing.
Dinner
Choosing more high fiber foods, such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits can help stabilize your blood sugar. Fiber in food slows down digestion, allowing for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. A carbohydrate-controlled dinner meal for diabetics may include roasted turkey breast with a 6 oz. baked sweet potato, 1 tsp. of margarine and 1 cup of peas. You can also try a chicken stir fry made with chicken breast, mixed vegetables and low-sodium soy sauce and served with 1 cup of brown rice. Another example of a calorie-controlled diabetic diet dinner may include 2 cups of vegetarian chili with a small whole wheat dinner roll and a tossed salad with 1 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing.
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