Feature Articles:
Diabetes & Nutrition
Why does it matter what I eat?
What you eat is closely connected to the amount
of sugar in your blood. The right food choices will
help you control your blood sugar level.
Do I have to follow a special diet?
There isn't one "diabetes diet." Your doctor will
probably suggest that you work with a registered
dietitian to design a meal plan. A meal plan is a
guide that tells you what kinds of food you can
choose at meals and snack time and how much
to have. For most people with diabetes (and those without, too), a healthy diet consists of 40% to 60% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% from protein and 30% or less from fat.
Can I eat any sugar?
Yes. In recent years, doctors have learned that eating some sugar doesn't usually cause problems for most people with diabetes--as long as it is part of a balanced diet. Just be careful about how much sugar you eat and try not to add sugar to foods.
What kinds of foods can I eat?
In general, at each meal you may have 2 to 5 choices (or up to 60 grams) of carbohydrates, 1 choice of protein and a certain amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for specific advice.
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy foods and starchy foods such as breads. Try to have fresh fruits rather than canned fruits (unless they are packed in water or their own juice), fruit juices or dried fruit. You may eat fresh vegetables and frozen or canned vegetables. Condiments such as nonfat mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard are also carbohydrates.
Protein. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans and some vegetables. Try to eat poultry and fish more often than red meat. Don't eat poultry skin, and trim extra fat from all meat. Choose nonfat or reduced-fat dairy products such as cheeses and yogurts.
Fat. Butter, margarine, lard and oils add fat to food. Fat is also in many dairy and meat products. Try to avoid fried foods, mayonnaise-based dishes (unless they are made with fat-free mayo), egg yolks, bacon and high-fat dairy products. Your doctor or dietitian will tell you how many grams of fat you may eat each day. When eating fat-free versions of foods (like mayonnaise and butter), check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrates they contain. Keep in mind that these products often have added sugar.
What if my blood sugar is below or above normal?
If your blood sugar is low, you may become cranky, tired, confused, shaky or sweaty. This is a condition called hypoglycemia. This can happen after you have been working hard or exercising. You should check your blood sugar level first, and then drink fruit juice or a regular (not diet) soda right away if your blood sugar level is low. This will usually bring your level back to normal.
However, if you are very thirsty, urinate a lot or have blurred vision, your blood sugar may be much too high. Check your blood sugar level and contact your doctor to find out what to do.
More Information
For more information talk to your doctor.
Other Organizations
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org
800-366-1655
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
This handout was developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association.
Reviewed/Updated: 11/06
Created: 03/99
For more great tips & articles, try these quick links: