Diabetes mellitus refers to a category of illnesses that affect your body's use of glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is the brain's primary energy source and feeds the cells of your muscles and body tissues. Regardless of whether you are a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, it is important to adhere to specific lifestyle guidelines to help control your blood glucose levels. While MayoClinic.com notes that there is no one diabetes diet, it reports that a balanced and healthful eating plan can help you manage your diabetes.
Carbohydrates
The Joslin Diabetes Center of Boston, Massachusetts, notes that one of the major differences between the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines and the guidelines that Joslin gives its diabetic patients is a reduction in the amount of carbohydrate it recommends. Specifically, the center advises keeping carbohydrate intake to 40 percent of total calories. It also recommends eating 20 to 35 g of fiber per day. Quality high-fiber carbohydrates include fresh vegetables and fruits, beans and whole-grain cereals and breads. The center advises eating less pasta, white bread, white potatoes and refined cereals.
Protein
Another difference between the USDA's dietary guidelines and that of the Joslin Diabetes Center is the center's increased focus on protein. It recommends eating 20 to 30 percent of calories from protein, with an exception for individuals with kidney disease. Quality protein sources include fish, lean and skinless chicken and turkey, non-fat and low-fat dairy products, tofu and legumes.
Fat
While it is important to not eat too much dietary fat, including adequate sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is also vital for health. Healthful unsaturated fats are found in abundance in olive and canola oil, nuts and seeds and fatty fish including salmon and are also important for diabetics to eat.
Sweets
Despite popular perception, MayoClinic.com notes that sugary foods such as cookies and cake are permissible for diabetics as occasional indulgences, provided they are included in your dietary plan. It also notes that consulting a registered dietician can be helpful in understanding how and what to eat to help manage your diabetes. Registered dietitians can help design a meal plan that will fit your lifestyle and food preferences, and can support you in adhering to your food plan.
