Diet therapy for diabetes translates into medical nutrition therapy, a healthy eating plan rather than a restrictive diet that makes living with diabetes more difficult than necessary. A wide array of tasty foods are available for you to enjoy, you simply need to use them to the advantage of your condition.
Function
Medical nutrition therapy has many facets, all with the goal of stabilizing your blood sugar levels, allowing you to better control your diabetes. The first part of the plan involves eating healthy, nutritious foods low in fat and calories. This prevents dangerous spikes in your blood sugar levels. Eating these foods in moderate amounts -- the next part of the plan -- helps control your caloric intake. Finally, eating regularly through the day is the last facet. This allows you to consume calories in even amounts through the day. Doing so keeps your blood sugar on an even keel.
The Dietitian
A registered dietitian plays a vital role in medical nutrition therapy. She guides you along the way, devising a personalized diet to fit your specific needs. She will take into account your type of diabetes -- Type I, Type II or gestational -- along with any current medical conditions you may have such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. These help her determine the number of calories, carbohydrates, proteins and fats you can consume each day. During intervention, she will counsel you on behavioral and lifestyle changes necessary to achieve optimal health, according to the American Dietetic Association. Your dietitian also monitors your condition regularly, adjusting your diet as needed.
Healthy Choices
Making healthier food choices is key to controlling your blood sugar. Begin with carbohydrates, as these have the greatest impact on your glucose levels. High fiber foods, such as whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, rolled oats, brown rice and vegetables are healthier than white bread, white rice and high-sugar cereals because they have the least impact on your blood sugar. Although foods high in fiber contain sugar, they take longer to break down during digestion; this results in slower absorption of the sugar in your blood, preventing unhealthy blood sugar spikes.
Opt for good fats such as fish, avocados, green or black olives and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and pistachios. These protect against heart disease, help lower cholesterol and help maintain your blood sugar. Avoid or reduce fats such as red meat, organ meats and lamb.
Divide Portions
Dividing your portions helps control calories; do this by creating an imaginary line down the middle of your plate. One-half needs to contain vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, squash or carrots. Divide the other half into two quarters; 1/4 should contain lean protein such as fish or poultry, while the remaining 1/4 can contain a white starch such as white potatoes or white rice.
