Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are not regularly controlled, requiring the use of medications and often external sources of insulin to maintain them. Diabetics also need a very controlled diet, in order to make sure their blood doesn't become too rich or too lacking in sugar, which can cause immediate catastrophic results. With a little bit of planning that emphasizes timing and types of foods, you easily can fashion a diabetic meal plan without sacrificing taste or variety.
Timing Meals
One of the most important aspects of planning a diabetic meal is timing. Diabetics can better manage their sugar levels when they eat meals consistently and routinely. This gives diabetics the ability to regularly check sugar levels. Plan meals so you can eat them in the same amount of time and at the same time each day. For some diabetics, it is more advantageous to eat smaller, spaced-out meals. This will help you to maintain the level of sugar in your blood, along with providing regular intervals for you to monitor your levels.
Combination Plates
Diabetics should have a combination of different foods for each plate. Whole grains should be larger in portion, compared to fruits, vegetables and meat. You can also keep exchange lists that show which foods can be substituted for others, in order to maintain variety. For example, one small apple is equal to about a third of a cup of cooked pasta, in terms of carbohydrate amounts. Avoid most red meats, unless they are lean cut. Grilled chicken and healthy fish like salmon or albacore tuna are good sources of protein for diabetics.
Sugars and Fats
It is crucial to measure sugar and fat amounts with each meal. It is a myth that diabetic diets are sugar-free; in fact, it is important for diabetics to have sugar--just in controlled amounts. If you consume trans fats, or get more than 7 percent of your daily calories from fat, you can wind up with heart disease, which often accompanies a diabetic diagnosis. The glycemic index of foods, such as those shown on the resource listed below, should help in choosing foods. A comparison of breakfast cereals, for instance, shows that oatmeal has a much lower glycemic index than puffed rice.
Healthy Snacks
Snacks are an easy way to boost sugar levels in a diabetic. Plan snacks well, carefully considering sugar amounts--even if they are "healthier" sugars, such as those found in fruits. An example is celery with low-sugar peanut butter. Carbohydrates essentially count as blood sugar as well, so they also must be taken into account. It also helps to have emergency snacks packed, just in case you find yourself off your regular meal schedule. Granola mixed with raisins and honey can be a potent emergency snack if your sugar levels are low.
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