Constraints for a Diabetic Diet

Sugary food is a poor snack choice for a diabetic.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to use insulin efficiently in delivering glucose from the blood to the cells, thereby leading to a buildup of glucose in the blood, and depriving the cells of the body with needed energy to perform properly. This has a negative effect on every organ in the body. Thankfully, with medication and a healthy diet and exercise, the blood sugar levels can be managed to within normal or nearly normal limits. Some foods should be consumed in limited quantities or totally eliminated from a diabetic diet.

Go Easy on Sweets

Refined sugar and flours, and beverages sweetened with sugar quickly convert to glucose in the body. This puts a huge strain on the pancreas and the body's ability to metabolize this excess sugar. It is highly recommended that a diabetic diet be free of these non-nutritive foods, or at least used sparingly.

Avoid Fried and Fatty Foods

The diabetic diet should not include fried or greasy foods, nor meats and milk products high in fat. Healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats like olive, canola and walnut oil should be used in place of butter, margarine and solid shortenings.

Choose Whole Foods Over Juices

Concentrated fruit and some vegetable juices (like carrot and beet) contain more carbohydrates than their whole food counterparts and also lack the fiber that is beneficial to slow down the metabolism of the sugars. Diabetic diets should contain mostly whole fruits and vegetables instead of juices.

Make it Whole Grain

Avoid eating breads, pastas and baked goods that are made with refined white flour, which quickly convert to sugar when digested. Choose healthier whole grain versions instead which slow down the metabolism and release glucose more slowly into the bloodstream.

Put The Salt Shaker Down

High blood pressure is a complication of diabetes. You can help lower your blood pressure by not adding salt to your plate. Experiment with vinegar, lemon juice, pepper and other spices that can add flavor to foods without any of the dangers of salt.

Hidden Sugars and Salt

Canned foods often contain large amounts of salt and sugar, so they should be consumed only occasionally. If you buy canned items, look for those that are labeled "no added salt" or for fruits, "canned in its own juice." These are healthier choices.

References

• "Healthy Eating", American Diabetes Association
• "Overview of Diabetes", Joslin Diabetes Center
• "The Nutrition Source," Harvard School of Public Health

Resources

• The Carb Counter