Recommendations abound regarding what and what not to eat when you have diabetes. Even well-meaning friends and family members sometimes offer advice that may not be entirely accurate. The reality is that a so-called diabetes diet is actually a healthy meal plan that includes a variety of foods that the whole family can enjoy. Diabetes meal planning is a matter of planning what, how much and how often to eat.
Food Choices
Three major nutrients are needed by the body: fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Of these, carbohydrates have the most effect on the body's blood glucose levels. Foods such as fruits, milk, grains and starchy vegetables are primary sources of carbohydrate. Controlling portion sizes of these foods can help control weight and keep blood glucose levels under control. Carbohydrate counting is a meal planning skill that estimates the amount of carbohydrate content so you can balance food intake with activity and insulin or medications.
Portion Sizes
Weight loss or weight control is a goal for many people with type 2 diabetes. A meal plan for type 2 diabetes includes methods for determining portion sizes. Daily caloric needs will vary depending on your individual weight goals and activity level. A diabetes meal plan is successfully achieved by not only eating a variety of healthy foods but also by eating the foods you choose in the proper amounts.
Meal Timing
To help keep blood glucose levels stable, it helps to stay on schedule with mealtimes. Some people also include snacks in their day, depending on schedules, activities, preferences and medication or insulin. Skipping one meal can lead to overeating at the next one, so it helps to stay on track by eating meals at consistent times.
Learning More
A meal plan is an essential part of diabetes care and treatment. It's important to discuss all parts of your treatment plan with your physician. A diabetes educator is another member of the health care team who can work with you and your physician to help you make an individualized meal plan and learn meal planning skills to manage food choices, including how much and how often to eat.
