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Clear Liquid Diet for Diabetics

Those with diabetes may have a hard time finding a healthy and balanced diet, especially when restricted to a clear liquid form. Many gastrointestinal disorders, such as diverticulitis, can force diabetic patients onto a bowel rest, during which a clear liquid diet is necessary. It is best to consult a personal care physician directly for personal advice, as each case of diabetes can differ, but there are a few tips that can make this difficult diet easier to handle.

  1. A Few Staples

    • According to the Penn Presbyterian's Medical Center, Gastroenterology department, there are clear liquids diabetic patients may enjoy on this restricted diet. Sugar-free soda, such as diet versions of 7UP or Sprite can help. Additionally, Jell-O brand produces sugar-free gelatin snacks. Sugar-free Italian ice or Popsicles may also add to the mix. Broths, such as chicken, vegetable or beef, can provide the feeling of fullness during this difficult diet. Drinks such as Crystal Light, a sugar-free beverage, may also be taken with this diet.

    Select Foods with Value

    • When limited in food choices, Janis McWilliams, R.N., recommends through the American Diabetes Association's "Diabetes Forecast" magazine, selecting foods to meet nutritional needs. She suggests skipping sugar-free sodas, Jell-O and Popsicles, and instead eating foods with more calories and carbohydrates. Fruit juices without pulp are allowed, for example.

    Insulin Requirements

    • A clear, liquid diet is often a temporary process, used to allow for healing. While the body is not processing hard-to-digest foods, it may heal more quickly, especially in the case of gastrointestinal disease. The American Diabetes Association, on its Web site at www.diabetes.org, suggests that patients on a clear liquid diet consult a physician or nutrition counselor, as insulin levels may need to be adjusted during the diet. Special dosage alterations, including amount and time changes, may be necessary.

    Manage Consumption Times

    • Eating clear liquids can help manage insulin greatly during this diet. The University of Michigan Health Systems recommends eating in seven feedings, instead of a typical three meals. Drinking liquids at breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon, dinner, after dinner and at midnight can help balance the body, and also create more feelings of fullness. The system recommends steering clear of red or purple fluids, but otherwise enjoying broths, apple juice, white grape juice, coffee, tea or clear diet sodas.

    Seek Professional Help

    • Each diabetic's case is unique. The amount of insulin, special requirements and medical issues surrounding an individual vary from patient to patient. A doctor prescribing the clear liquid diet can often direct a patient to a nutritional counselor for more information, if not provide a list of healthy foods herself. Ask a professional medical adviser for more information, based on your own unique health needs and concerns.

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