A diabetic diet is a special way of eating for people who have type one or type two diabetes, or have been told they are at high risk of developing diabetes. A diabetic diet can range in calories from 1,200 to 2,000 calories per day. The main purpose of the diabetic diet is to eat specific portions of carbohydrates and proteins at specific times throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels normal. Blood glucose (sugar) levels need to continually monitored throughout the day by a diabetic person to make sure that the diet is stabilizing blood sugar levels. If a diabetic goes off the diabetic diet or eats too much sugar, they may be at risk of health complications such as neuropathy and strokes. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a very important part of the diabetic diet. They can help to stabilize blood sugar levels or they can raise them to dangerously high levels, depending on the type of carbohydrate and amount eaten. Carbohydrates are also called starches on the diabetic diet and are usually grains. Examples of starches include bread, pasta, tortillas, rice, potatoes and crackers. They can be eaten at every meal on the diabetic diet, but only in small amounts. Whole grains are carbohydrates that are not stripped of nutrients when they are processed, so they are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. The diabetic diet encourages whole grains, such as brown rice and 100% whole wheat bread, instead of refined grains like white bread or white rice because whole grains do not raise the blood sugar as much as refined grains do.
Protein
Proteins are an essential component of the diabetic diet. Proteins are needed by diabetics because they can help to reduce high blood sugar levels and help a diabetic feel better when they start to feel dizzy or weak. If a diabetic does not eat enough protein, their blood sugar levels may become too high. In order to prevent this, proteins need to be eaten as part of every meal and every snack on the diabetic diet. Examples of healthy protein foods include chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, lentils, nuts, soy and tofu.
Fats
Fats are similar to carbohydrates on the diabetic diet, in that some forms are to be limited and other forms are beneficial. Since type two diabetes and obesity often occur together, a diabetic needs to be careful not to eat so many fats in their diet that they gain weight and worsen the symptoms of their diabetes. Saturated fat, which comes from animal products such as beef, dark meat chicken and milk, is unhealthy for the heart. Since diabetics are already at higher risks of health complications, saturated fats are limited on the diabetic diet. Healthy, unsaturated fats, which come from plant sources such as olive oil and avocados, are encouraged instead of saturated fats.
Food and Blood Sugar Diary
As instructed by their doctor or dietitian, most diabetics regularly track their food and beverage intake as well as their blood sugar levels in a journal or diary. Although it is not a food itself, the food and blood sugar diary is a critical aspect of the diabetes diet. It is important because recording what foods you eat, followed by your blood sugar level, will help you determine what foods may raise your blood sugar too much and therefore be avoided. The recording of blood sugars is also a good reminder to check blood sugar several times each day, when diabetics go to record their foods.
Portions
Controlling food portions is also important on the diabetic diet. A diabetic may be able to keep their blood sugars fairly stable if they have a small chocolate chip cookie after dinner. However, if a diabetic eats six chocolate chip cookies, their blood sugar levels are likely to shoot up to a dangerous level. A doctor or dietitian can teach a diabetic what size portions they should be eating depending on their recommended calorie level. Foods such as pastas and rice are usually eaten in ½ cup portions in the diabetic diet, while vegetables can be eaten in full cup portions since they do not raise blood sugar as much.
