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Nutrition Guide for Diabetics

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you probably already know that you must pay close attention to what you eat. Because diabetes is such a complicated disease, there is no single diet for diabetics, but experts agree that the food pyramid diet recommended by the American Heart Association is the best choice, with some additional restriction of carbohydrates. Diabetics should eat throughout the day and on a schedule to keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.

  1. The Importance of Fiber

    • Everyone needs fiber, but it's especially important for people with diabetes. Soluble fibers found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and seeds help slow digestion and reduce absorption of glucose (sugar) in the intestines. Cooked beans have the highest amount of soluble fiber and are a great choice for diabetics, but fiber can also be found in vegetables like broccoli and sweet potatoes and in fruits like raspberries and apples.

      People also need insoluble fiber to help clean out the gastrointestinal tract. Oats, whole grains and nuts are great sources of insoluble fiber.

    Five a Day

    • You might remember the "Five a day" saying from childhood; it was true then and it's true now. Eating five fruits and vegetables a day provides solid nutrition, plenty of fiber and low-glycemic meals for diabetics. Choosing vegetables in a variety of colors will help ensure that all nutritional needs are met.

    Low Saturated Fats

    • Diabetes and high cholesterol and triglycerides often go hand in hand. Following a diet low in saturated fat helps reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent heart problems. Choose lean meats and unsaturated fats like olive or flax oils. Eat things like fish, black beans, walnuts and avocados to help increase HDL (good) cholesterol.

    Limit Sweets

    • While it is a myth that diabetics cannot have sugar, any sweets should be carefully figured into the daily carbohydrate count. Sugar and products that contain sugar cause elevated levels of blood sugar and can trigger a subsequent crash. The goal of the diabetic diet is to keep blood sugar level, but it's possible to balance a blood sugar spike with extra exercise and a reduction of other carbs--so have a slice of cake, but skip the bread and potatoes.

    See a Nutritionist

    • Every person with diabetes is different. The only way to determine the exact diet that will work for you, including foods to eat and avoid, eating times and nutritional balance, is by monitoring blood sugar and using the results to find the best formula for success. Build a custom plan that works for you with the aid of your doctor and dietitian.

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