What Type of Diet Should a Diabetic Eat?

The diabetic diet should be a balanced diet that includes food from the basic food groups. The key to a healthy diet is to choose healthy foods such as lean meats, low fat foods and fiber-rich carbohydrates. Because the diabetic must watch sugar intake, carbohydrates are often counted, fats are limited and calories are monitored.

Carbohydrates

The body uses carbohydrates for energy by turning them to sugar. Diabetics can eat any carbohydrates, but they must limit their intake according to what their dietitian determines.

Protein

Protein should be lean. Eat red meat only three times a week, and eat plenty of fish.

Vegetables and Fruit

Vegetables and fruit supply minerals and vitamins. Eat at least three servings a day. A serving is a small fruit or 1/2 cup of vegetables.

Dairy

Dairy supplies calcium. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Try to eat at least two servings of dairy a day.

Fats

Monitor your intake of saturated fats. Avoid foods with more than one percent of saturated fats per serving, or foods with more than three total fats per serving.

Resources

• American Diabetes Association