Diabetic Food Guidelines

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses food pyramids to illustrate its food guidelines for diabetics. The ADA use of a food pyramid allows diabetics to create individualized meal plans, which increases the chances that people will follow diabetic food guidelines. Options are not only varied, but simple to follow.

Significance

Obesity and diabetes are related conditions, which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Diabetes is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease and because it can lead to other severe health problems, diet is considered to be a major treatment component. Because insulin levels are related to glucose levels, carbohydrates and portions are important values for diabetic food guidelines.

Function

Diabetic foods differ from those recommended by the USDA for the general population. Diabetic guidelines emphasize consuming foods that regulate insulin and avoiding foods that increase blood sugar levels. Diabetic foods also promote weight loss and maintenance of healthy weight. Foods and portions are related considerations.

Types

ADA food guidelines are illustrated in the ADA Food Pyramid. Foods are divided into six groups with grains, legumes and starchy vegetables at the bottom of the pyramid, which represents those foods of which the most servings are eaten daily. The second level of the pyramid is fruits and vegetables and the next level is meats and meat substitutes. At the top of the pyramid are sweets, oils and fats. The higher up the pyramid foods appear, the less one eats.

Features

At about 1600 to 2800 calories per day, diabetic foods are portioned for a range of activity levels and lifestyles. The ADA recommends 6 to 11 servings of grains and starchy vegetables a day. Diabetics should eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruit every day. One can have 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or skim milk and/or low-fat yogurt and 4 to 6 oz. of meat and/or meat substitutes, divided among meals. Oils, fats and sweets should only be consumed in small amounts, if at all.

Considerations

The ADA offers many helpful ways to encourage diabetics to eat proper foods and to live healthy lifestyles. With varied menu options, help for achieving healthy weight, and even tips for challenging times such as holidays, diabetics have more options and more support than ever to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The ADA can help locate a registered dietitian to help determine the precise foods an individual should eat.

Resources

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