Caring for diabetes requires a proper diet. Many foods need to be enjoyed in moderation because they contribute to a rise in blood sugar levels, potentially threatening a diabetic's health. People with diabetes are more susceptible to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, so modification of how much fat a person consumes can lessen the risk for these problems. Weight maintenance is also important in diabetes control.
Control Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-rich foods yield glucose--also known as blood sugar--when digested. These foods must be limited in the diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association categorizes digestible carbohydrates into starches and sugars. Starches are found in starchy vegetables such as peas and lima beans, grains such as bread and rice, and dry peas and beans including black-eyed peas and kidney beans. Sugars are found in sweets, fruits and milk. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a healthy diet gets 40 percent to 60 percent of its calories from carbohydrates. In a typical 2,000-calorie diet, this would be 250 grams of carbohydrates consumed throughout the day. The serving sizes break down to three to five servings (about 15 grams per serving) at each meal and one to two servings at each snack, far more than most people realize is recommended for a healthy diet.
Limit Sugars
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, doctors have realized that small amounts of sugar can be occasionally eaten without causing harm to most people with diabetes. Sugars should be limited, however, because the grams of sugar must be counted as part of the allowable carbohydrates, and many foods with added sugar are of a lower nutrient density. The American Diabetes Association suggests reading labels for hidden sugars such as molasses, honey, maple syrup, high-fructose corn syrup and agave nectar. Be aware that so-called sugar-free treats often contain a high number of calories from other ingredients, such as the carbohydrate-containing flour used to bake cookies, pies or cakes.
Good vs. Bad Fats
The American Diabetes Association recommends consuming less than 30 percent of daily calories from fat. This is less than 75 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. Better fat choices include polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats that are found in safflower oil, olive oil, avocado and walnuts. Types of fat to avoid are trans fats and saturated fats such as those found in lard, bacon, butter and cream.
Maintain Ideal Body Weight
Weight control is an important part of treating Type 2 diabetes. Being overweight has a negative effect on the body's response to insulin, contributing to elevated blood sugar levels. Losing just 5 percent of excess body weight can go far in controlling blood sugar levels.
Eat Healthy Foods
A healthy diet goes far in contributing to a general sense of well-being in addition to helping control weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Be sure to include an assortment of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats to get the daily recommendations for vitamins, minerals and fiber.
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