Diabetic Diet & Food Guidelines

The diabetic diet is not much different from a regular diet. The food pyramid stresses eating balanced foods from all the food groups, and so does the food pyramid for diabetics. The major difference has to do with carbohydrate and fat intake--the diabetic must count carbohydrates and watch fat intake.

Carbohydrates

Because 100 percent of carbohydrates turn into sugar or glucose, the diabetic must distribute the carbohydrates throughout the day.

Carbohydrate Limits

The average for women is 30 to 45 g of carbohydrates per meal. Men usually can have 45 to 60 g per meal.

Protein

Lean protein is essential for growth and body maintenance. Diabetics should eat 4 to 6 oz. of lean protein a day.

Fats

Saturated fats are a concern for the diabetic because fats can harden the arteries. Diabetics should avoid food that has more than 1 percent saturated fat per serving and more than 3 percent total fats per serving.

Vegetables and Fruits

Diabetics are encouraged to make 60 percent of their meal non-starchy vegetables. Starchy vegetables and fruit are carbohydrates, and must be counted as such.

Resources

• American Diabetic Association