According to the American Diabetes Association, 50 to 60 percent of daily calories should come from carbohydrates, 12 to 20 percent from protein, and no more than 30 percent from fat.
While there is no one specific diet for people with diabetes, there are recommended guidelines from the American Dietetic Association. Pay careful attention to carbohydrate intake. Eat six or more servings of starches a day including bread, cereal and starchy vegetables. Add beans and corn to salads or casseroles for an additional boost.
Consume five fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Enjoy a piece of fruit as a snack or toss veggies into soups, stews or side dishes. Also, limit the amount of sweets and sugars you eat to once or twice a week at most.
Fruits and vegetables are extremely important because they're rich in soluble fiber which slows down the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Beans also keep blood sugars level. Bran, whole grains and nuts have insoluble fiber which cleans out the lower gastrointestinal tract.
People suffering from diabetes should consult with their doctor or a certified diabetes educator to ensure the meal plan they're following is suitable for their condition.
Comment #1
(Posted by Shirley Leitch) Rating
I am a diabetic and would like to get back on tract with my meal plan so as to lose weight
Comment #2
(Posted by Shelly) Rating
I am glad to finally see some simple guidelines as to what to eat but what about amounts?
How many Carbs, calories, fat, sugars....How much is to much and how much is not enough?
Comment #3
(Posted by Connie) Rating
I was to see how much out of each group I'm suppose to comsume to keep my blood sugars at a normal.
Comment #4
(Posted by Karon) Rating
This is very good information concerning the diabetic diet and regiment.
Comment #5
(Posted by Louise) Rating
what happens to those people (me) who can't financially afford to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Fruits and veggies are very ex0pensive expecially when you have to eat 5 servings daily.
Comment #6
(Posted by Flannery Kathleen Diehl) Rating
To assist with meal planning and amounts, go to mypyramid.gov It's a nice tool that Nurse Disease Mangers advise diabetics to use.
Comment #7
(Posted by E.Lewis) Rating
Thank you for this infol. My father is diabetic, and I was told I was border line by my Physician. I like to eat, so I wasn't sure about what I could have. Readin this article gives me some confidence, and encourages me to eat better. Thanks again.
Comment #8
(Posted by E.Lewis) Rating
Regarding comment 5 by Louise. I know it's hard for us who don't have a lot of money to eat healthier. I don't know where you live, but if you try some of the Bodega Markets (Spanish Markets), they usually have very good prices on fruits, veggies, and beans. Canned tomatoes ared 5 or 6 for a dollar too. Try those.... Many Blessings!
Comment #9
(Posted by Lorna Nichols) Rating
I have no credit card so I can pay for a play on the internet unless you set up a way to pay by check or direct withdraw from the bank I can not take advantage of these programs. Thanks you
Comment #10
(Posted by James Potter) Rating
The advice given here is exactly what my doctor and dietician have been telling me for years now. As a 59 year old type 1 Diabetic, who by the way has lossed parts of both my feet because I thought I knew more than my doctors, I have learned over the past few years to pay attention to the advice given. I too am on a low fixed income and have had to find alternative ways and stores to shop at. I have found that the Dollar General or Dollar Family stores usually have very good deals on canned fuits and things of that nature. Most things are exactly 1.00 or less. Hope this helps #5.
Comment #11
(Posted by Brenda) Rating
If people followed this like it is worded: 50-60 percent carbohydrates, they would probably get diabetes, if they didn't already have it. Most doctors now know that you need to limit your carbs, as they affect blood sugar so drastically. (By the way, protein, nor fat affects blood sugar levels at all). This is dangerous info for us diabetics. I control mine through diet alone, but eat few carbs and then on complex carbs.
Comment #12
(Posted by Brenda) Rating
Dangerous info for diabetics, like me. Glad I know better. Carbs are the only things that affect blood sugar, so having 50-60 percent of your diet carbohydrates would be the last thing you would want. Protein nor fat, either one, has an effect on blood sugar at all. I manage my diabetes through diet alone and eat very little carbs...and then only complex carbs as they have a littler effect on my sugar. Most doctors are aware of this now and I don't know why this diet is still out there. It could seriously hurt people.
Comment #13
(Posted by Cindy) Rating
Some good advice about adding more fruits and veggies in your diet (fresh is better since they have more fiber). But nothing about adding whole grains like quinoa, oats, whole wheat pasta, 8-grain bread, etc. Also, no mention about good fats (Omega-3 & 6) like canola, safflower, olive, etc. I would like to see the exchanges in this diet, too. My husband is pre-diabetic so I have made a lot of changes in our diet to include whole grains and more veggies which has helped me to lose weight, too.
Comment #14
(Posted by Velma Frady) Rating
lots of useful info.wake up call!! Wish My printer would work so I could print it off.If you have a copy of it would you please send me one?Velma Frady---20 Excelsior Drive---Brevard,N.C. 28712
Comment #15
(Posted by Nancy) Rating
Diabetes and heart disease run in my family history. So when my father was diagnosed with diabetes and my mother had a massive heart attack. I decided to eat the things that my father was allowed to eat. Using diabetic recipes for every meal and exercising regularly, I lost 60 pounds in almost 6 months and both parents are eating better now. I understand it is expensive to eat this way, but consider leaving children & family members behind because you did not take care of yourself.
