According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, more than 8 percent of the population of the United States has diabetes. Untreated, the condition can lead to a long list of complications including heart disease, high blood pressure and blindness. Dietary management is one of the key elements in treating diabetes, but meal planning can seem confusing.
How to Count Carbohydrates
Your doctor will set a target range for the number of carbohydrates you should consume in each meal. A common target range is 45 to 60 grams, but some people need more or fewer. Packaged foods contain a label that lists the number of grams of carbohydrates in a serving. Some packages contain more than one serving, so be sure that you understand exactly how much you are consuming. A diabetes management class, offered at most hospitals, can teach you the carb contents of unpackaged items such as fruits and vegetables. Carb counting seems overwhelming at first, but quickly becomes second nature.
Portion Sizes
The ADA recommends that people with diabetes focus the bulk of each meal on non-starchy vegetables. The remainder of the meal is then divided between starchy items such as potatoes or bread, and meat or meat substitutes. You can then add either an 8 oz. glass of milk or a small serving of another carbohydrate food such as a roll or fruit cup. You can use a food scale to accurately portion your food, or simply try the ADA's plate division method. Draw an imaginary line down the middle of the plate and a short line dividing one of the halves in half again. Place vegetables on the half-plate and meat and starch in the quarter-plate sections.
Vegetarian Meals
According to the ADA, it is generally safe and healthy for people with diabetes to follow a vegetarian or even vegan diet. However, these diets may be low on certain nutrients such as vitamin B-12. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of adding supplements if you want to follow a vegetarian diet. Ensure that your diet includes meat substitutes or natural sources of protein, such as beans and nuts.
Holiday Tips
Holiday meals are fraught with dishes that contain high levels of carbohydrates. It is fine to indulge in these foods as long as you cut back other sources of carbohydrates. The key is to balance your overall carb intake. Skip the potatoes at dinner in exchange for a slice of pie, or forgo the roll in favor of a cup of ambrosia. Try out healthier versions of your favorite recipes before the holidays, and bring the best to a party. Sugar substitutes such as Splenda, Equal or NutraSweet may be substituted in many recipes. Many people are trying to watch fat, sugar or calories, so a tasty healthier dish is always welcome.
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