Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting in high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone in the human body, transports glucose to the cells, where it is used for energy. When no insulin is available, glucose builds up in the body, causing serious, sometimes life-threatening health complications such as kidney and nerve damage and heart disease. Eating right is the key to controlling glucose levels; meal planning plays a vital role in this.
Step 1
Find out what the diabetic person's caloric restrictions are. Excess calories cause a rise in glucose levels and can lead to obesity. Losing weight makes controlling glucose levels easier, according to MayoClinic.com. For diabetics, reducing caloric intake is the most effective way to accomplish this.
Step 2
Ask a dietitian how many carbohydrates the diabetic person is allowed to eat. Carbohydrates have the largest impact on blood glucose levels. Knowing the allowable amount of carbohydrates, and planning the right type as part of meals, can mean the difference between stable glucose levels or dangerous spikes.
Step 3
Schedule meals at the right times. Part of meal planning for a diabetic person is scheduling meals at the same time of the day, every day. This helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Take into consideration how often the person needs to eat, his personal schedule and his medications; he may need to take his insulin before, after or with his meals.
Step 4
Search for recipes. Organizations such as the American Diabetes Foundation have a plethora of recipes for diabetics, making it easier for you to plan meals. Rely on these recipes often, using different ones each week to provide variety.
Step 5
Write down the foods you need. Compiling a list, using a combination of approved foods and the recipes you come across, makes grocery shopping easier.
