How Do I Eat Properly With Diabetes?

Do you know the amount of carbohydrates contained in the foods you usually eat?

Do you count how many carbs you will eat during each meal?

Do you use measuring cups or scales to ensure the appropriate portion size?

Have you adjusted your portion size to your medication schedule?

Do you eat well-balanced meals (containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats)?

Is half of your plate made of starch-free vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes and green beans?

Is a quarter of your plate made of food from the following categories: starchy carbohydrates (apple, blueberry, strawberry, melon), whole intact grains (brown rice, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, oatmeal), starchy vegetables (corn, green peas, sweet potatoes) and beans?

Do you avoid sugary sweetened drinks?

Based on your answers, here are some tips that can help you eat properly when you have diabetes. The food you eat has different effects on your blood sugar level, so it is important what type of food you eat, how much you eat, and how you combine foods. Carbohydrates have a major impact on blood sugar levels, so you must know the amount of carbs in each of your meals, especially if you take mealtime insulin. You also need to balance meals and medications and consider portion sizes. Too little or too much food in proportion to your medication can lead to large blood sugar fluctuations.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to eat properly when you have diabetes. It is important that each of your meals is well balanced, which means that it should contain the right mixture of starch, protein, fat, fruits and vegetables. Low-carb, high-fiber foods are the best choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. It is best to avoid sugary drinks, such as sports drinks, soda and juices because they cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, are high in calories and low in nutritional value. Your doctor or dietitian can help you make the diet plan that works best for you.