There are several types of diabetes, but type 1 and type 2 are among the most common. Type 1 diabetes is congenital and results from the body's inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is far more common and results from obesity, inactivity and consuming inordinate amounts of sugar, leading to a reduced response to insulin by somatic cells. Both require a lifestyle meant to control the condition. To determine the best regimen and diet for you, consult your physician.
Step 1
Integrate a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grain foods and non-starchy vegetables into your diet, while completely avoiding alternatives, such as other sweet foods, white bread and starchy vegetables. This will help maintain nutrition while limiting rises in blood serum glucose levels.
Step 2
Eat fish, non-fat dairy, lentils and dried beans to include protein in your diet, but maintain proper proportions to prevent weight gain and sharp rises in blood serum glucose levels.
Step 3
Limit the amount of cooking oils that you use and exclude all solid varieties to limit saturated and trans fats, which can cause weight gain and exacerbate conditions associated with diabetes.
Step 4
Limit desserts and use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and stevia to sweeten foods and drinks.
Step 5
If you have type 1 diabetes, inject proper insulin dosages as prescribed by your doctor, usually after each meal. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe pills to help control it; precisely follow the regimen specified by your prescription.
Step 6
Check your blood glucose level using the self-administered test provided by your doctor after every meal and regularly throughout the day to ensure that you're maintaining safe levels.
Tips and Warnings
- It is very important to consult your doctor or dietitian to ensure you follow the proper meal plan based on your specific condition.
- Deviating from your meal plan as advised by your physician can result in circulatory problems, loss of vision, nerve problems, seizures, coma and other complications. Failing to check your blood glucose levels can result in undetected, unexpected rises, even when following the diet prescribed by your physician, resulting in diabetes-related complications.
