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Diabetes 2 Diet Planning

Diet planning is absolutely essential for controlling the symptoms of diabetes type 2. As the most common form of diabetes, the body slows the production of insulin, which is a vital source for the body to make glucose for energy. To prevent rampant blood sugar fluctuations, it is important to eat the right types of foods, avoid sugary foods and maintain a consistent meal routine. Use some of the recommendations to create a diet that matches your diabetic needs.

  1. Foods to Eat

    • It can be confusing to know the ideal foods to keep your blood sugar from fluctuating. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, peas, corn and carrots. Get the right kind of protein with lean meats, fish and soy products. Look for non-fat or low-fat dairy products. Feta and goat cheese are naturally low in fat and make the perfect toppings for sandwiches and pizzas. Avoid fatty, processed and fried foods. Lots of people eat deli slices without thinking about their high sodium content. It is best to stick with skinless chicken breasts or turkey.

    Fiber

    • Fiber is extremely important, especially if you are a diabetic with hypoglycemia. By eating fiber, you are able to slow down the rate of hypoglycemic reaction. You can stabilize your blood sugar by eating foods like popcorn, rice bran or wheat crackers. When you are feeling like you are having low blood sugar, go for a snack that combines protein with fiber. Cheese and crackers, peanut butter and apple slices, and nuts and dried fruit work well.

    Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates can raise your blood glucose levels. However, when they are eaten in excess you can cause your blood sugar to dangerously rise and fall. The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics use "carb counting" as a technique for controlling their blood glucose levels. Generally speaking, people want to set a range between 45 to 60 g of carbohydrates at every meal. Consult with a doctor before choosing an exact range. Foods that have carbohydrates are dairy, starchy vegetables, fruit, legumes and bread. For example, four crackers would be 15 g. If you had 12 crackers, you would be in the target range. Check out the list on the ADA's website to get an idea of how to count your carbohydrate intake.

    Meal Planning

    • Try to eat at least five small meals throughout your day. Some have found it helpful to eat right before bed. Keep an eye on food labels, so you can avoid sugar and fats. Always have an emergency snack handy when blood sugar levels get low. Check out some diabetic recipes in Resources to get a better understanding of healthy meals that will benefit you.

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