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Diabetes Nutrition Plan

Once your doctor diagnoses diabetes, the first step of self-management is a diabetes nutrition plan. Diabetes is a lifelong disease, which you can treat and control. The key to a healthy life is exercise and a personal meal plan. Your doctor will arrange for you to visit a dietitian, who will help you determine the foods to eat and the foods to avoid. In addition, you can educate yourself about the value of counting carbohydrates, limiting fat intake and eating a balanced meal.

  1. Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates are the foods that break down into glucose and enter the bloodstream. The glucose travels to the muscle cells, where it is stored and used for energy. If there is too much glucose in your blood, you will have high blood sugar, which can destroy your body's organs. Counting carbohydrates is crucial for the diabetic to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are measured in grams. One serving of carbohydrates is 15 grams. A typical single serving is a small fruit, 1/2 cup of starchy vegetables, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, one slice of bread, or approximately 1 ounce of snack food. For bagels, muffins, and other baked goods, 1 ounce is equal to one serving. Most diabetics should eat three to four servings of carbohydrates for each meal. That is approximately 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal. Your dietitian may suggest that you cut back to 30 grams of carbohydrates per meal if you need to lose weight.

    Fats

    • Limiting fat intake is essential, because a diabetic is more susceptible to heart disease. It is important to maintain a healthy circulatory system. High glucose levels break down the walls of the blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol to build up and cause blockage. Limit your fat intake by eating more fish, poultry and lean red meats. Eat red meat only once a day and no more than three times per week. When choosing dairy products, look for low-fat and nonfat products. When choosing other foods, look for no more than a total of 3 grams of fat per serving.

    Balanced Meals

    • Most everything you eat affects your blood sugar, so it is important to eat three small meals a day with snacks, if needed. Avoid large meals, for they will cause your blood glucose levels to rise. Avoid skipping meals, for that can cause low blood glucose levels. Try to eat approximately the same time each day. Choose a combination of foods at each meal, including high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Divide your plate into three sections. One-half of your plate is for non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, tomatoes, greens or summer squash. Divide the second half into two more sections. In one section, add starchy foods such as peas, corn, potatoes, rice or pasta. In the other section, add 3 to 4 ounces of protein such as lean red meat, poultry, fish or cottage cheese. Include an 8-ounce glass of low-fat or skim milk, yogurt or another serving of carbohydrates. Finish the meal with a fruit salad. You have a balanced meal.

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