Diabetes is a condition that is marked by abnormally high blood sugar. It is caused by problems with insulin production and/or insulin's effects on the body. Insulin is a hormone, made by the pancreas, that causes the body's tissues to pull sugar out of the blood. Lack of sensitivity to insulin as well as poor insulin production can lead to high blood sugar. Although diabetes can be treated with medication, it can also be controlled with a careful diet.
Step 1
Develop a dietary plan in advance. Trying to improvise each meal will make it difficult to keep your sugar balanced and controlled. If necessary, work with a dietician to help you create a plan that can help you control your diabetes.
Step 2
Eat limited amounts of healthy carbohydrates. Carbohydrates should account for between 45 and 65 percent of your caloric intake. Your carbohydrate intake should be predominantly from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and legumes.
Step 3
Avoid foods with a high glycemic index. The glycemic index measures how much a serving of a food item increases your blood sugar. As you would expect, candy and other foods with high sugar levels have a high glycemic index. Other foods with high glycemic indexes include bread (especially white bread), some cereals (such as Corn Flakes, Cheerios and Rice Puffs), as well as soft drinks, sports drinks and certain fruits (like watermelon). Avoiding sweet foods as well as other foods with a high glycemic index will help prevent sudden spikes in your blood sugar.
Step 4
Consume a diet high in fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a diet high in fiber can help you control your blood sugar. Good sources of fiber include nuts, whole-wheat fiber, legumes, fruits, vegetables and bran.
Step 5
Eat limited amounts of healthy fats. Fat should comprise 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories. According to Medline, you should try to eat unsaturated fats (which can be found in peanuts, almonds and walnuts) and avoid trans and saturated fats, as well as cholesterol.
