The importance of diet in regulating blood
glucose levels is well recognized. Eating the right type and amount of food at
the right time can help to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and reduce the
risk of developing diabetes and related health issues. Especially for diabetic
people, eating a balanced diet helps to fulfill their nutritional needs without
spiking their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Diet Plan
A diabetes diet is designed to help
individuals better utilize the insulin their body produces or receives through
medication. It is a healthy-eating plan focusing on consuming nutrient-rich
foods that help maintain an optimal blood sugar level, manage body weight, and
reduce the risk of developing diabetes-associated complications such as heart
disease, stroke, and kidney damage. A registered dietitian can create a
personalized diet plan considering health goals, personal taste, and lifestyle.
Furthermore, they can guide portion size to ensure the diet is tailored to
individual size and physical activity level.
How to formulate an effective diabetes diet
plan?
It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to
maintain a healthy eating plan. This eating plan should include the correct
amounts of food and carbs at each meal or snack to help control blood sugar
levels. It is also essential to eat at regular times and to measure food to
ensure the right amounts are taken. Eating roughly the same amount of carbs at
each meal can be beneficial.
Recommended Foods
Eating the right foods for diabetes signifies
consuming a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups:
Foods to limit to control blood sugar-
To keep blood sugar under control, limit foods
and drinks that are high in carbs by consuming them less often or in smaller
amounts. Like:
Meal Plan Methods for Diabetics
There are two common ways to help plan the
amount of food to eat if you have diabetes. Check with the healthcare team
about the best method for you.
Plate method - The plate method helps control portion sizes
and works best for lunch and dinner. It uses a 9-inch plate to put non-starchy
vegetables on half of the plate, meat or other protein on one-quarter, and
grains or other starch on the last quarter. A small bowl of fruit or a piece of
fruit and a small glass of milk may also be included in the meal plan. The
daily eating plan also may include small snacks between meals.
Carbohydrate counting - This method
involves tracking the number of carbohydrates you eat and drink daily. Since
carbohydrates turn into glucose in the body, they affect blood glucose levels
more than other foods. Carb counting helps the body regulate blood glucose levels.
This meal planning tool is specially designed for people with diabetes who take
insulin; however, not all people with diabetes require counting carbohydrates.
Following is the method to count carbohydrate grams in your food.
The Bottom line-
Diabetes is a chronic health condition raising
global concerns and needs requisite intervention. Nutrition and physical
activity are crucial parts of a healthy lifestyle in patients with diabetes.
Apart from other potential benefits, following a healthy meal plan and being
active can help keep the blood glucose level in the target range.
Becoming more active and
changing dietary habits may seem challenging initially, but help from family,
friends, and the healthcare team will help make it easier.
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