subject: Planning Meals For Those With Diabetes [print this page] If you or someone you love suffers from diabetes, that doesn't mean planning meals has to be difficult. It's true that diabetics cannot make insulin properly which means they often have high blood glucose (sugar) levels. However, this can be easily controlled with proper eating habits. By taking necessary precautions, you can prevent life-threatening complications to the disease.
Making the best food choices is essential for any person suffering from diabetes. A good meal plan can be created with a little guidance from a registered dietitian or your doctor. Healthy meal plans for diabetics often include consuming fewer carbohydrates and sweets and also eating more frequently. In addition, diabetics should limit fat and alcohol intake while increasing the amount of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables they consume daily.
Low fat and high fiber foods should also be apart of the overall meal plan. Weight loss can also be helped by controlling the amount of calories taken as well as the portion sizes of meals. Which meal plan is best for you to help control diabetes?
Depending on the type of treatment you are getting, your meal plan might change a bit. How much and at what time you eat can alter the way your diabetes medication works. This is why it is extremely important to work closely with your doctor to determine the right diet plan.
Within the exchange system, foods are grouped into fruits, starches, milk, meat, etc. Within each group, you should learn what foods have the most nutrients, calories and carbohydrates. This guide can help you group foods and come up with alternatives that will help stabilize your blood sugar.
Depending on your needs, a doctor or dietitian will help you determine how many foods from each exchange you need daily. By listening and following their instructions, you can help your body maintain proper blood sugar levels all day.
