According to the National Diabetes Clearinghouse, about 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition that affects the way the body metabolizes food for energy and growth. In diabetics, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to process the glucose formed following digestion. Glucose builds up in the blood and is not properly utilized by the body. While people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to manage the disease, all types of diabetes require a healthy diet and regular exercise to manage blood sugar levels. Acceptable diets for diabetics are a major concern and must be monitored daily.
Food Pyramid
The National Diabetes Clearinghouse recommends diabetics utilize the diabetes Food Pyramid to manage the disease. The pyramid is broken down into fats and sweets, milk, meat and meat substitutes, fruits and vegetables and starches. Diabetics should eat more from the starches category because starches have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels. The number of calories and servings from each group required in a day depends on the size and activity level of the patient and range from 1,200 to 2,400 calories. A large woman, who wants to lose weight, or a medium-sized man, who is relatively inactive, for example, should eat between 1,600 and 2,000 calories a day consisting of eight servings of starches and two milk servings. The ideal diet should contain four servings of vegetables and meat or meat substitute, three fruit servings and up to four fats. Starches include cereal, pasta and bread, potatoes and corn. Limiting sweets and fats can help diabetics lose weight and maintain blood glucose levels.
Simplicity
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that diets acceptable for diabetics need not be complicated and full of special foods. Eating a variety of food in moderate proportions works for most people with the disease. A healthy eating plan that relies on taking meals and snacks at regular times each day is sufficient for most diabetics. Diets acceptable for diabetics are diets that anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight and proper nutrition can follow. Being consistent in the amounts and times of eating is vital since the body responds negatively to excesses in calories and fat. People with diabetes should concentrate on eating the same number of calories and carbohydrates each day to control weight and blood sugar levels.
Create Your Plate
Doctors at the American Diabetes Association offer an easy diet for diabetics based on sectioning off a plate of food. Create Your Plate is an easy diet that's acceptable for diabetics. Start by putting a line down the middle of a dinner place. Divide one half of the plate in half again. Fill the biggest section of the three sections with non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, spinach, cabbage, peppers or broccoli. Fill one of the smaller sections with starches that include whole grains, rice, pasta, potatoes, cooked beans or corn. Put meat or meat substitute in the other section. Add one piece of fruit and an 8 oz. glass of milk to complete the meal.
