What is a Good Diet for a Diabetic?

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends a diet based on the Diabetic Food Pyramid. This diet can help you choose good foods in reasonable portion sizes. You can lose weight, decrease your risk of diabetes-related illness and feel healthier and more energetic by following this diet. Be sure to consult with your doctor before implementing any part of this plan.

Glucose Levels

• Your goal is to have a blood glucose level between 70 and 130 just before you eat. An hour after your meal, your blood glucose should be under 180. To keep your blood sugar steady, you will eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks. These six meals should be spaced evenly throughout the day, approximately three hours apart.

Number of Servings

• Women who are small and active or have a medium build and are sedentary should eat between 1,200 and 1,600 calories per day. If that's you, the Diabetic Food Pyramid says you should eat the following servings each day: 6 starches, 3 vegetables, 2 fruits, 2 milks, between 4 and 6 oz. of meat or vegetarian substitutes and no more than 3 fats. If you are a large woman, small or medium-sized man or a large man who wants to lose weight, eat 1,600 to 2,000 calories a day. Your should eat 8 starches, 4 vegetables, 3 fruits, 2 milks, 4 to 6 oz. of meat or substitutes and no more than 4 fats. If you are medium to large in size and are very active or if you are a large man at a normal weight, eat 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day. The diet advises that you eat 10 starches, 4 vegetables, 4 fruits, 2 milks, between 5 and 7 oz. or meat or meat alternatives and no more than 5 fats.

Servings

• Serving sizes are smaller than most people guess at first. Here are some examples of single servings: a six inch tortilla, 1/2 cup of green beans, a grapefruit half, 1 cup light yogurt, one egg and a 3-inch cookie.