As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of diabetes in the elderly. Treatment for diabetes in the elderly depends on a number of factors, including other medical conditions and overall health, but usually involves light exercise such as walking and modest dietary modifications. The diet for the elderly should not be overly restrictive and should include a variety of healthy foods from each food group.
Starches
How much you need to eat each day depends on your daily calorie needs. Consult with your doctor or dietitian about how many calories you should eat each day. Healthy older women usually need about 1,600 calories a day, and healthy older men about 2,000 calories a day. Starches provide your body with energy and also contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in food affect blood sugar, and controlling the amount you eat at each meal can help you manage your blood sugar. You can have eight to 11 servings of starches a day on your diabetic diet. Choices and serving sizes include one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of hot cooked cereal, 3/4 cup of cold cereal, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of peas, corn or mashed potatoes and five crackers. Including more whole grains in your diet, such as whole wheat bread and whole grain cereal, can also help improve blood sugar control.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Meats provide protein. As you get older your protein needs increase to help preserve lean body mass. Try to eat 6 to 8 oz. of meat or meat alternatives a day on your diabetic diet. Choices include poultry, fish, shellfish, beef, pork, veal and lamb. One egg, 1 oz. of cheese and 1/4 cup of tofu equal a 1-oz. serving of a meat alternative.
Vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium. You should include four servings of vegetables a day on your diabetic meal plan. Servings include 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw vegetables. Healthy choices include broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, green beans, peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini.
Fruits
Fruits also contain carbohydrates and you will need to control the amount you eat for blood sugar management. You will need three servings a day on your diet plan. Fruit choices and serving sizes include one small apple or orange, half of a large pear, 1 cup of cubed melon, a small banana, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup of orange or apple juice.
Milk
Milk is an important source of calcium and vitamin D. Including good food sources of calcium in your diet can help keep your bones strong and healthy. You will need two servings of milk a day on your diabetic diet. Choices and serving sizes include 1 cup of nonfat or low-fat milk, 6 oz. of sugar-free yogurt and 1 cup of soy milk.
Fat
Your diabetic meal plan should include three to four servings of fat a day. Fats are a concentrated source of calories and serving sizes are very small. Choices and serving sizes include 1 tsp. of butter, margarine, oil or mayonnaise, 1 tbsp. of salad dressing, one slice of bacon and 1-1/2 tsp. of peanut butter.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Your Diabetes Eating Plan: Exchange Lists
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes Diet-Diabetic Exchange List
- Diabetes Care Guide: Diabetes in Elderly Patients
- American Dietetic Associaiton: How Many Calories Do Older Adults Need?
- American Dietetic Association: Healthy Eating for Older Adults
