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Diabetics Diet Plan

A proper diet for a diabetic is essential to maintaining good health. Food is central to regulating blood sugar levels. Diet plans don't have to be complicated and hard to follow. There are easy and healthy options that can benefit diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Good planning, knowing how to exchange items when surprises come up in your diet and factoring in the amount of carbohydrates that can be handled daily are excellent guideposts on the way to a healthy diet and lifestyle for diabetics.

  1. Meal Planning

    • Establishing a routine for daily meals and planning as many of those meals as possible in advance can greatly help to control and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels and weight. Developing a meal plan and sticking to it can ensure that you are eating the same amount of carbohydrates and calories each day. Whole grains and starchy vegetables are foods that should be eaten most often while sugars and fats should be avoided. For a diabetic, the more variety and spontaneity in food, the harder it is to control blood sugar levels. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian, who can form specific plans based on your needs. It is especially important to contact a health-care professional for help with meal planning if you recently have been diagnosed with diabetes.

    The Great Exchange

    • Many diabetes diets favor an exchange system in order to provide more options. Food is grouped into categories, such as fruits, meats, fats and starches. One item in each group is chosen as an exchange. It has roughly the same protein, fat, calories and effect on blood sugar as a similar serving of other food in the same group. For example, a small pear might be equivalent to one-quarter cup of pasta. Many people find that exchange lists are especially useful when dining out.

    Factoring in Carbohydrates

    • Counting daily carbohydrate intake is often recommended by dietitians, especially for diabetics who take medications or insulin. A change in the amount of carbs you eat daily, whether large or small, can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate drastically. It is very important to work with a dietitian or other health-care professional to learn how to count carbs properly so that you can make adjustments to your meals and insulin doses.

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