FDA Guidelines for Diabetic Diets

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides specific guidelines designed for diabetic needs. Because obesity and diabetes are on the rise in the United States, the federal government is weighing in on these serious and related health issues. One of the signature elements of the FDA's guidelines is flexibility. Diabetics have options that match individual lifestyles. When meal plans are individualized, there is a greater chance that people will follow them.

Significance

The FDA offers ten guidelines for diabetic diets. Essential for controlling insulin levels, the recommended foods serve significant purposes. Diabetics are at increased risk for major diseases, many of which cause death. Eating a diet designed for diabetic needs reduces the risk of some cancers, heart disease and stroke, among other illnesses. Since these ancillary diseases are leading causes of death in the United States, the FDA is interested in their relationship to diabetes.

Function

The guidelines are designed to help diabetics to achieve or maintain an optimum weight and to consume the types of foods that establish and maintain safe insulin levels. The guidelines emphasize variety and foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The overall goal is to achieve fitness, make sensible choices and establish a healthy foundation for a longer, healthier life.

Features

FDA recommendations feature categories of foods, which allows individuals to create their own menus with appropriate foods that suit their tastes. The FDA urges diabetics to consume a variety of whole grains (complex carbohydrates) and to reduce foods in fats, cholesterol and sugars. With that in mind, the FDA cautions against the consumption of too much alcohol. People with diabetes need to eat a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables every day and to reduce their intake of salt.

Types

The FDA categorizes its recommended foods for diabetes into six categories. Graphically organized in a food pyramid, the foods which comprise the most recommended daily servings are at the bottom. At the top of the pyramid are foods that are the least beneficial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the FDA recommend 6 to 11 servings of breads, grains and other starches per day. Diabetics are urged to eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruit daily. Milk, meats and meat substitutes (eggs, cottage cheese, peanut butter, tofu) form the next level, with 2 to 3 servings of milk and 4 to 6 oz. of meat products each day. At the top of the pyramid are fats, sweets and alcohol, which ought to be consumed in very small amounts, if at all.

Considerations

Some important considerations are that the FDA recommended foods for diabetes include many options and can be used to create healthy, yet interesting meal plans. Not many foods are eliminated, so a diabetic diet does not need to be as limiting as once thought. Secondly, servings per day are generally expected to fall into the low range of servings. Also, the ADA website (see Additional Resources) offers menu plans and support. They can be contacted at 1-800-DIABETES.

Resources

• FDA Diabetic Food and Meal Planning
• FDA Food Pyramid
• ADA: Using the Food Pyramid