Diet: Diabetes

Guidelines for success

Talk with your health care provider before starting a diabetes diet or weight loss program. If you haven't talked with a dietitian yet, ask your provider for a referral. The following guidelines can help you succeed:

• Select foods from the 6 food groups below. Your dietitian will help you find food choices within each group. They will also show you serving sizes and how many servings you can have at each meal.

  • Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables.

  • Leafy vegetables.

  • Fruits.

  • Milk or yogurt.

  • Meat, poultry, fish, or tofu.

  • Healthy fats.

• Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your provider. Take any medicine as prescribed by your provider. Tell your provider if you are taking any other medicines, supplements, or herbal products.

• Learn to read food labels and pick the right portion sizes.

• Make a habit of including non-starchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and low-fat dairy or nondairy alternatives in your diet.

• Limit carbohydrates at each meal to help manage your diabetes. The carbohydrates you eat become glucose in the blood. This does not mean you can't eat carbohydrates. Talk with your health care provider about how many grams of carbohydrates are recommended for you at each meal. Eat 3 meals a day at consistent times. Don't skip meals. If you are hungry between meals, eat a small, low-carbohydrate snack.

• Talk with your health care provider if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can have unpredictable effects on blood glucose. It's also high in empty calories and can raise a type of blood fat called triglycerides. Drink water or calorie-free diet drinks instead.

• Eat less fat to help lower your risk of heart disease. Use nonfat or low-fat dairy products and lean meats. Stay away from fried foods. Use cooking oils that are unsaturated, such as olive, canola, or peanut oil.

• Don't eat foods with added salt. Salt can contribute to high blood pressure. This can cause heart disease. People with diabetes already have a risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Limit your salt to less than 2300 mg/day. One way to do this is by avoiding processed foods.

• Stay at a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, talk with your health care provider about new medicines that can help with weight loss. Cut down on your portion sizes. But never skip meals. Exercise is an important part of any weight management program. Talk with your provider about how you've exercised in the past and the unique exercise challenges you may face if you carry a large amount of extra weight. Discuss an exercise program that’s right for you.

• For more information about the best diet plan for you, talk with an RD. To find an RD in your area, contact:

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org

  • American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or 800-342-2383

  • Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists at www.diabeteseducator.org/