The Diabetic Diet Plan: Overview

Diabetes is a condition associated with the body’s inability to naturally regulate blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to produce or properly utilize insulin. The design of a diabetic diet plan is essential to any total plan for the proper regulation of blood sugar.

Having blood sugar levels that are too high or too low for extended periods of time are associated with certain symptoms, and an overall increased risk for the development of certain conditions. The use of a diabetic diet plan can aid in the improvement of overall general health.

Diabetic Diet Plan: Overall Goals

The overall goal of any diet plan is to improve and promote overall general health. However, diabetics have additional goals, particularly the management and prevention of diabetes complications. A healthy diet can aid in the control of normal blood glucose levels, can improve overall blood pressure and cholesterol, in addition to protecting the heart. A diet plan is also important for the achievement and maintenance of a reasonable and healthy weight.

Diabetic Diet Plan: Food Pyramid Guidelines

The food pyramid provides a range of servings per day for proper food intake. The diabetic diet has a food pyramid specifically designed to classify foods based on the protein and carbohydrate content. These are only suggested servings, and it should be noted that overall nutritional needs are based on individual goals, nutritional and calorie needs, and lifestyle. It is commonly recommended that calories are derived from carbohydrates (45-65%), protein (15-20%), and fats (20-35%).

• Grains and Starches: 6-11 servings
• Vegetables: Minimum of 3-5 servings
• Fruit: 2-4 servings
• Milk Products: 2-3 servings
• Meat & Meat Substitutes: 4-6 ounces
• Sweets, Fats, Alcohol: Limit this use

Diabetic Diet Plan: Effective Meal Planning

For the majority of diabetic individuals, an established routine for snacks and meals is an essential piece of proper blood glucose level regulation. It is also typically easier to eat healthier when meals and snacks have been planned. Eating on a schedule that includes poor food choices at irregular times can lead to difficulties in blood sugar regulation which can also lead to other side effects and conditions.

Diabetic Diet Plan: Food Log

It is usually helpful for most diabetics to keep a food log. This list includes a list of foods eaten in addition to portions and any thoughts or feelings associated before or after eating. The food log should also include blood sugars.

The food log is can provide important information to physicians for the design of an overall lifestyle and dietary plan, including the use of prescription medications. The food log can also show certain trends with eating, including foods to avoid.

Diabetic Diet Plan: The Importance of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides, are simply linked sugar molecules. Essentially, eating carbohydrates is the equivalent of eating sugar, and has significant effects on overall blood sugar levels. By consuming carbohydrates on a consistent basis in regulated amounts on a schedule, this can maintain sugar levels from rising too high or falling too low. It is important to count carbohydrates in addition to sugar, fat, and protein content.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00027
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticdiet.html
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodpyramid.jsp