Foods for Diabetic People

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic people should choose foods that are low in sugar and healthy. People with diabetes should eat well-balanced meals. Read labels and focus on portion sizes to help you manage blood-glucose levels.

Carbohydrates

• Diabetics should consume between 40 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal on average. Talk to your doctor about your specific diet needs. Milk, bread, beans and snacks are some of the foods that contain carbohydrates.

Non-Starchy Vegetables

• People with diabetes should increase consumption of non-starchy vegetables. Manage blood-glucose levels by choosing fresh, frozen and canned vegetable juices and vegetables with no added salt, fat or sugar. Spinach, carrots, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes and cabbage are examples of non-starchy vegetables.

Grains

• Include whole grains in your diet to ensure adequate consumption of essential minerals, vitamins and fiber. Nutritious foods for diabetic people include brown rice, whole-grain breads and cereals. Limit your intake of white-flour products.

Starchy Vegetables

• Starchy vegetables should be included in every diabetic meal plan. Corn, potatoes, green peas and pumpkin are examples of starchy vegetables. People with diabetes should consider eating dried beans with several meals each week.

Meat

• Diabetics should monitor and limit saturated-fat intake when choosing meats. Fish and seafood, skinless poultry and soy-based products are rich in protein and low in saturated fat and calories. Beef, pork and lamb are high in saturated fat. Choose only high grade beef, pork or lamb that is trimmed of fat.