Diet & Nutrition Instructions for Diabetic Patients

A diabetic diet is a well-balanced, specially designed meal plan that's low in fat and calories and restricts the daily intake of protein and carbohydrates without eliminating them. It's important that people suffering from diabetes change their diet to control blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends diabetics eat between 1,600 and 2,800 calories a day based upon "diabetes goals and calorie and nutrition needs." The diabetes food pyramid is a popular meal planning option that can help diabetics manage their condition, lose weight, and lower their risk for heart problems.

Creating a Diet and Nutrition Plan

It is not necessary to follow one specific meal plan as part of a diabetic diet. Diabetic patients are allowed to eat a wide variety of foods as long as they pay attention to nutrition and portion sizes. Larger portions of grains, vegetables and fruits should be consumed, while smaller portions of dairy, meat and other proteins are recommended.

The American Diabetes Association recommends eating at least six servings of carbohydrates per day. Bread, cereal, pasta, rice and beans contain mostly carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important to diabetics because they're the most common source of glucose in the body.

A diabetic meal plan should be rich in fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Include at least two to five servings of each per day. Fiber is digested slowly and doesn't cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Broccoli, green beans, lettuce, whole grains, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and zucchini are examples of foods that are nutritious and high in fiber.

Diabetics should eat no more than 6 ounces of lean meat, fish or poultry per day. When choosing milk or dairy products, diabetics should choose products that are non-fat or low-fat.

Foods To Limit and Eliminate

To reduce the chances of unhealthy rises in blood glucose, diabetics should consume fewer bananas, watermelons, cantaloupes, mangoes, white bread, white potatoes, white pasta, fried foods and alcohol.

They should completely eliminate high-fructose corn syrup, soda, processed fruit juices and table sugar from their diets.

The Glycemic Index

Eat more foods that rank low on the glycemic index, which NutritionData.com defines as "a numerical index that ranks carbohydrates based on their rate of glycemic response." These foods require less insulin from the body. Low-glycemic index foods also produce less body fat in people with diabetes. Apples, cherries, whole-grain breads, yogurt, milk, wheat pasta, peanuts, eggplant, salad and kidney beans are some of the foods that are low on the glycemic index.

Things To Remember

Diabetics must always be mindful of the amount of carbohydrates that they consume per day. Eating too many carbohydrates will cause blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise. Carbohydrates should generally make up about 30 percent to 50 percent of daily calories. Diabetics should also consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily.

Keep track of calories and serving sizes, and read nutrition labels on products, if you're diabetic. Doing this will ensure that you're getting proper nutrition and eating the right amount of necessary foods on a daily basis.