What Should a Diabetic Eat?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), one of the most important facets of managing diabetes is deciding what to eat on a daily basis. The ADA asserts that there is not one perfect plan for all diabetics. Thus, an eating plan should be chosen and tailored to meat the individual needs of each person. Common diet methods include counting carbohydrates, using the glycemic index, the plate method and using the diabetic food pyramid.

Counting Carbohydrates

• One common diet method utilized by diabetics is counting carbohydrates consumed at each meal. The ADA recommends that diabetics attempt this approach initially to get their diabetes under control. Carbohydrates are important to diabetics because they raise blood glucose levels when consumed. The ADA recommends that each meal contain approximately 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in the following foods: rice, bread, crackers, cereal, fruit, beans, soy, milk, yogurt, potatoes, corn and sweets. In order to determine how many carbohydrates are in a given food item, you should carefully read food labels to determine portion size and the number of carbohydrates in one serving. Also, the ADA recommends that all meals should contain a source of protein and fat to balance out the carbohydrates in the meal.

Glycemic Index

• Another common diet plan for diabetics is based on using the glycemic index to plan meals. The glycemic index ranks food containing carbohydrates according to how they raise levels of blood glucose. Diabetics should choose foods that food that have a medium or low glycemic index in order to keep blood glucose levels steady. Foods with a high glycemic index should only be consumed in combination with another food that has a low glycemic index to maintain balance. Low glycemic foods include the following: whole grain bread and cereals, fruit, non-starchy vegetables and dried beans. When using the glycemic index to plan meals, portion sizes are equally important. According to the ADA, the glycemic index method can be even more effect when combined with the carbohydrate counting method.

Plate Method

• Another method for managing diabetes is called the plate method. To utilize this method, you should draw either a real or imaginary line down the middle of your plate. Then choose one half of the plate that will be divided into three more sections. At this point, you have four total sections. The largest section is one-half of the plate and it should be filled with non-starchy vegetables. In the three smaller sections you will put one starchy food item, one meat item and one other item such as small roll or piece of fruit.

Diabetes Food Pyramid

• Some diabetics may choose to use the diabetes food pyramid to manage their condition. The diabetes food pyramid consists of six sections. The diabetes food pyramid starts with grains and starches on the bottom. Diabetics should eat six to eleven servings per day from the bottom section. Next, the pyramid shows vegetables and fruits. Vegetable serving should range from three to five serving per day and fruit servings should range from two to four servings per day. The next section contains milk and dairy with a recommended amount of servings ranging from two to three servings per day. Next, the diabetic food pyramid recommends that four to six ounces of meat be eaten each day. At the very top of the pyramid is the section for sweets, fats and alcohol. These items should be eaten sparingly and in small servings.