Understanding a Diabetic Diet

Nutritionists have different opinions about what makes up a diabetic diet.  Some say that diabetics need to eat according to a careful “food exchange” program.  Others say that they only need to “count” carbohydrates.  Still others say that there is no such thing as a diabetic diet . . . and that diabetics just need to eat a variety of healthy foods.

Why don’t all nutritionists agree?  It’s because every food causes blood sugar to go up—not just sugar.  So, if people with diabetes eat no sugar, but continue to eat a lot of fats and high calorie foods, their blood sugar will still be out of control.

Overall, a nutrition plan for people with diabetes should include from 10 to 20% protein, no more than 30% fat and the rest (50 to 60%) carbohydrates.

Doctors might order a diabetic diet for:

• People with diabetes.
• People who are at risk for diabetes.

The BENEFITS of the diabetic diet:

• Sticking to a diabetic eating plan helps many people lose weight.  Getting to a reasonable body weight keeps a person with diabetes from developing serious complications.
• Some people with diabetes can avoid having to take medications or insulin by following a healthy diabetic diet. 
• For people who must take medication—like insulin shots—for their diabetes, eating a diabetic diet usually keeps them from having to take as much medication.

Clients on a diabetic diet should eat:

• Whole grains, including oats, brown rice and whole grain cereals and breads.
• Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Small to medium portions of meat, poultry and fish, lentils, dried peas, and beans.
• Nonfat milk.
• Foods that are baked, broiled, poached, steamed, or microwaved—but not fried.
• Very small amounts of sugar and fat.