Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which blood glucose, or sugar, becomes too high in the bloodstream. This high level of glucose causes damage at the microvascular level that eventually leads to damage to the eyes, kidneys and peripheral vascular system. Diabetes can also lead to heart disease, stroke and amputation. The body uses a hormone called insulin to help the glucose get from the bloodstream into the cells so it can be used for energy. With your primary care physician, endocrinologist and dietitian, you can develop a personalized dietary plan that helps control your diabetes.
Diabetic Exchange Diet
The diabetic exchange system is the most effective way to manage a diabetic diet. The system works by placing foods into basic categories such starches, fruits, milk, meat, sweets, fat and free foods, according to MayoClinic.com. Within each of these food groups a certain number of calories and food types are allowed.
The diet is structured so that each serving size in the starch, milk and fruit groups contain about the same amount of carbohydrates. This allows you to exchange between groups without recalculating your carbohydrate numbers. The diet also contains "free foods" that you can eat or drink without restriction because they do not affect your blood sugar. Free foods include black coffee, sugar-free drinks, mustard, garlic, spices and salad greens.
Healthy Diet
The American Diabetes Association recommends eating a well-balanced diet to manage diabetes. By including a variety of foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nonfat dairy products, beans, lean meats, poultry and fish, you can reduce your blood glucose and the negative effects that diabetes has on your body. Foods should be as close to their natural state as possible to reduce the impact on your blood sugar. This means that vegetables and fruits should be raw and you should limit the amount of processed foods and snacks.
Counting Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate counting is another meal-planning technique to control your blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. Foods that contain carbohydrates spike your blood-glucose levels so that keeping track of how many carbs you eat helps keep these levels within your target range. Foods that contain carbohydrates include breads, cereals, rice, fruits and juice, dairy products, dried beans, potatoes, corn and sweets and snack foods such as soda, cake and cookies.
Protein
Most foods are not just protein and fat. The standard recommendation for individuals with diabetes is that they eat diets balanced between protein, fat and carbohydrates. Protein foods such as meat, cheese and peanut butter also contain fats, according to "Diabetes Spectrum" the journal of the American Diabetes Association. If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and also have poor control of your blood glucose levels, you may require an increased amount of protein in your diet. In the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" author Robert Eckel discussed the results of several research studies recognizing that although nonessential amino acids may increase the production of glucose in the body, blood glucose levels did not increase after eating protein.
Fat
Recommended fat intake for individuals suffering from diabetes should not exceed 7 percent of total calorie intake. Avoid saturated and trans fat in particular to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids are good for your health. Foods that include healthy fats are avocado, nuts, seeds and olives.
References
- MedlinePlus.com: Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Your Diabetes Diet: Exchange Lists
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrate Counting
- "Diabetes Spectrum"; Protein Controversies in Diabetes; Marian Franz; 2000
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; A New Look at Dietary Protein in Diabetes; Robert Eckel; October 2003
