Eating right is the first step to control and manage your diabetes. It doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself or place unreasonable restrictions on yourself. It means you need to choose your foods carefully and improve your eating habits in combination with close monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
Significance
A simple diet plan -- often referred to as medical nutrition therapy -- allows you to choose from a wide variety of nutritious foods that regulate your blood sugar and lower your caloric and fat intake. The simpler the plan, the easier it is for you to manage your blood sugar, keeping it within a healthy range. The American Diabetes Association explains that your nutritional needs are no different than those of nondiabetics; it's a matter of watching your choice of foods more closely to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates have the largest impact on your blood sugar, and can be your friend or foe. Your blood absorbs the sugar in these carbs as quickly as they break down, resulting in dangerous blood sugar spikes. Most simple carbs, such as those in soda, candy, high-sugar cereal and snack foods, have no nutritional value, and should be avoided. Others, such as fruits, potatoes and corn, offer some nutritional value, but need to be balanced with a complex carbohydrate.
Complex carbohydrates have a longer chain of sugars that break down slowly; your blood does not absorb them quickly, having very little impact on your blood sugar levels. Eat green vegetables such as green beans, spinach, broccoli and celery. Whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta and brown rice are more options, along with couscous and millet.
The glycemic index rates foods on a scale from 1 to 100 according to the number of carbs they contain. The lower the number, the less impact it has on your blood sugar. Eat foods that rate 55 or under as much as possible. You can use the index to balance your simple and complex carbs as well. If you eat a food ranking 56 or higher, balance it with a food rating 55 or less.
Fats
Good fats and bad fats are similar to simple and complex carbs; you can eat both, but one is better than the other. Saturated -- or bad fats -- are high in calories and cholesterol, increasing your risk for heart disease, a common complication of diabetes. Animal products are primary sources of saturated fats, such as red meat. Although meat is a source of protein, reduce your fat by choosing lean protein sources such as skinless poultry. Tuna, cod, halibut, salmon and mackerel are the healthiest protein sources. These contain less fat and cholesterol than both red meat and poultry.
Unsaturated fats, such as olives, avocados and nuts, contain heart-healthy oils that prevent the development of heart disease. Although healthier, unsaturated fats are high in calories just like saturate fat; stay within the caloric range your doctor sets to prevent health complications.
Considerations
You need to combine portion control with healthy eating habits for proper blood sugar control. Controlling portions helps prevent overeating and maintains healthy caloric intake. The largest amount of food on your plate should be complex carbs in the form of vegetables; these should account for half of your meal. One-quarter should derive from 3 oz. of lean protein, while the remaining quarter can be the starch of your choice. Finish your veggies first, move on to your protein and end with your starch.
Warning
Monitor your glucose levels daily at the specific times your doctor orders. Record the results, giving them to your physician at each appointment. Your results may impact your diet, changing the amount of calories and carbs you can include in your diet.
