The Most Successful Diets Used by Diabetics

Diabetics need to monitor their blood-sugar levels carefully to prevent high blood-glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association explains that diabetics can use the glycemic index to measure the effect that carbohydrate-containing foods has on blood-glucose levels. The glycemic index works on a scale from 1 to 100 with sugar being 100 because it increases blood glucose levels the most rapidly. Successful diabetic diets also have high fiber and protein content. The best way for diabetics to create a successful diabetic diet is to understand which foods have complex carbohydrates and which foods have simple carbohydrates.

Fiber

• Fiber is one of the most important components of a diabetic diet. Fiber cannot be digested, and food that contains fiber provides a feeling of fullness. Diabetics should eat foods that are high in fiber because it will reduce their appetite for food and help control sugar cravings. Foods that are high in fiber include apples, bananas, pears, celery and broccoli.

Vegetables

• The most successful diets used by diabetics usually contain large amounts of vegetables. Vegetables are not only high in fiber, but they also contain a minimal number of calories. Examples of vegetables that have a low rating on the glycemic index include broccoli, celery, cabbage, onions, artichoke, asparagus, eggplant, cucumber, peppers and lettuce, according to The South Beach Diet Plan. You can take the first step towards creating a successful diabetic diet by eating salads on a daily basis.

Fruits

• The most successful diets used by diabetics include some fruits with low ratings on the glycemic index. Examples of these fruits include cherries, grapefruit, apricots, grapes, peaches, oranges and bananas. However, some fruits such as watermelon, which has a glycemic index rating of 72, should be avoided when trying to create a successful diabetic diet.

Dairy Products

• The most successful diets used by diabetics contain dairy products with a low glycemic index such as chocolate milk, low-fat milk and low fat-yogurt. Dairy products are excellent for diabetics because they have a high protein content that helps to provide for filling meals and snacks.

Water

• Water is an important part of every diabetic diet because of the benefits that drinking water has. The Ohio State University Extension program explains that water helps to reduce a person's appetite and also helps with maintaining metabolic levels. If you are a diabetic, try carrying a water bottle around with you on a daily basis to stay fully hydrated, reduce your appetite for food and increase your energy levels.