If you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from foods you eat. The cells of your body need glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells. With
type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood and causes high blood sugar levels. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal
but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The sugar in your blood comes from certain foods called carbohydrates, or "carbs." Foods that are high in carbs include candy and sweets, sodas, breads, tortillas, and white rice. The more carbs you eat, the higher your blood sugar level will
be. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, making the right food choices is an important way to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. When you control your blood sugar, you lower your chance of having serious health problems from diabetes, such as vision loss and heart problems. And if you have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes, eating foods that keep your blood sugar levels healthy may help prevent type 2 diabetes later on. What's the best diet for diabetes?There isn't a specific diet or meal plan that works for everybody. Your health care provider may have you see a registered dietician (RD) or a diabetes educator who can help design the best eating plan for you. The plan will consider:
All eating plans for diabetes have a few things in common, including eating the right foods in the right amounts at the right times. What foods should I eat if I have diabetes?Eating the right foods for diabetes means eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups:
What foods should I limit to control my blood sugar?To keep your blood sugar under control, you may need to cut back on foods and drinks that are high in carbs. This doesn't mean that you can never enjoy them. But you will need to have them less often or in smaller amounts. The high-carb foods and drinks you should limit include:
You may also need to limit how much alcohol you drink, as well as how much fat and salt you eat. What else do I need to know about diabetic diets?If you have diabetes, it's important to eat the right amount of food every day. Your eating plan will include how much to eat, so that you get the right amount of carbs in each meal or snack. You'll learn how to count carbs and measure your food. Eating at the right times is also important. You will want to plan for regular, balanced meals to avoid high or low blood sugar levels. Eating about the same amount of carbs at each meal can be helpful. Your eating plan will also teach you how to stick with your plan at home and when you eat out. Eating healthy to control your blood sugar does take some effort. But the reward is a chance to live your healthiest life with diabetes. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Start Here
What meals do diabetics eat?Dinner ideas when you have diabetes. lasagne and salad.. roast chicken and vegetables, with or without potatoes.. beef stir-fry and vegetables, with or without brown rice.. chicken tortillas and salad.. salmon and vegetables, with or without noodles.. curry with chickpeas and brown rice.. What 10 foods should diabetics avoid?10 foods to avoid if you have diabetes. Processed meats. ... . Full-fat dairy products. ... . Packaged snacks and processed baked goods. ... . White carbohydrates. ... . Sweetened breakfast cereals. ... . Dried fruits. ... . French fries. ... . Higher-fat cuts of meat.. What are the 10 best foods for a diabetic?What are the healthiest foods for a person with type 2 diabetes?. Beans. Beans are a “superfood” made up of high-quality carbohydrates, low-fat protein, and soluble fiber, and also are a good source of magnesium and potassium. ... . Dark green leafy vegetables. ... . Sweet potatoes. ... . Berries. ... . Salmon. ... . Oatmeal. ... . Nuts. ... . Yogurt.. |