Diabetic Diet & Nutrition Guidelines

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides comprehensive guidance for achieving a healthy diabetic diet. The ADA uses a food pyramid to illustrate its diabetic food guidelines. Carbohydrates and glycemic index are the two main considerations for a healthy diabetic meal.

Significance

Diabetes is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that can lead to other severe health problems. Complications from diabetes include blindness, loss of limbs and heat disease. Diet is considered to be a major treatment component for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) urges diabetics to learn how to incorporate healthy eating as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Function

Diabetic foods are different than USDA recommended foods for the general population. Diabetic foods promote weight loss, healthy weight stabilization, and stable blood glucose levels. Portions are an important consideration, as are carbohydrates. The goal of diabetic nutritional guidelines is to regulate glucose and insulin levels by tracking how many carbohydrates are consumed and by emphasizing low glycemic index foods.

Types

The types and quantities of foods that are part of a healthy diabetic diet are visually described in the ADA Food Pyramid.The six ascending (into smaller quantities) food groups begin at the bottom of the pyramid with grains, legumes and starchy vegetables. These are foods of which the most servings are eaten daily. The next level of the pyramid is fruits and vegetables and the next is meats and meat substitutes. At the top of the pyramid are sweets, oils and fats.

Features

Visualize a plate with one section half of the plate and the remaining two sections one fourth each. Non-starchy vegetables belong on the largest portion of the plate. Depending on activity level, a healthy diabetic daily diet should range between 1600 and 2800 calories. One should eat 6 to 11 servings of grains and starchy vegetables every day and fewer servings of non-starchy vegetables (3-5). The ADA recommends 2 to 4 servings of fruit and 2 to 3 servings of low-fat milk or low-fat yogurt. One can have 4 to 6 oz. of meat and/or meat substitutes. Oils, fats and sweets, if consumed at all, should only be eaten in very small amounts.

Considerations

The ADA website (see Additional Resources) offers interesting and tasty menu options, guidance to attain healthy weight and ways to meet challenging times. Diabetics need not feel isolated in their quest to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The ADA even offers help locating registered dietitians in one's region for one-on-one help and support.

Resources

• Using the Diabetes Food Pyramid
• Diabetes Care: Nutrition