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Dietary Requirements for Diabetes

Diabetics cannot consume the same foods as non-diabetics. Careful attention must be paid to foods that might cause dramatic blood sugar increases; those can cause comas or even death in patients. Conversely, lack of blood sugar from not having the right foods can also cause serious health risks. As such, the diabetic food pyramid should be consulted when preparing diabetic meals according to their requirements.

  1. Diabetic Food Pyramid

    • The diabetic food pyramid is very different from the traditional food pyramid, but it can be the best guide for diabetics to regulate their diets. As shown on the Diabetes website, the diabetic food pyramid categorizes certain foods based on what they offer instead of what they look like. For example, cheese is considered to be part of the meat group because of its protein, while potatoes and yams are considered carbohydrates because of their starch content. Beans are also considered meats, while fats, oils and sweets form their own pyramid section. Protein servings should be no more than 3 ounces per day.

    Sugar

    • Diabetics are allowed to have sugars; it is a matter of how much and what type. Simple sugars are those found in sweets like doughnuts, candy and cake. Those sugars, which include maltose and dextrose, should be extremely limited. Having too much can cause dramatic spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous and deadly for diabetics. Diabetics should consider having a simple-sugar emergency source with them just in case sugar levels dramatically drop.

    Complex Carbohydrates

    • Since diabetics still need blood sugar, they should include complex carbohydrates in the diet. In fact, the diabetic food pyramid suggests that six to 11 servings per day are necessary. Complex carbohydrates allow for glucose production but at a sustained rate because the dietary fibers slow the breakdown process. This can keep diabetics from experiencing sugar spikes. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include 100 percent whole wheat grains, oatmeal, potatoes and beans like black eyed peas. One serving size equals a slice of bread, 1/2 cup of potatoes and 1/3 cup of rice or pasta.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Two to four servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables per day should be eaten by diabetics. Serving sizes are typically 1/2 cup of raw or 1 cup of cooked for each. Vegetables are full of fiber and can make an excellent low-calorie snack. Since many fruits naturally contain sugar, they should not be served in syrup. Fruit juice consumption should also be monitored, since it tends to have higher sugar concentrations.

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