choice has about the same amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat and calories — and the same effect on your blood sugar — as a serving of every other food in that same category. For example, the starch, fruits and milk list includes choices that are all between 12 and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Glycemic index
Some people who live with diabetes use the glycemic index to select foods, especially carbohydrates. This method ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on their effect on blood sugar levels. Talk with your dietitian about whether this method might work for you.
A sample menu
When planning meals, take into account your size and activity level. The following menu is for someone who needs 1,200 to 1,600 calories a day.
Breakfast. Whole-wheat bread (1 medium slice) with 2 teaspoons jelly, 1/2 cup shredded wheat cereal with a cup of 1% low-fat milk, a piece of fruit and coffee.
Lunch. Roast beef sandwich on wheat bread with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, medium apple and water.
Dinner. Salmon, 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil, small baked potato, 1 tsp margarine, 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 cup green beans, medium dinner roll and unsweetened iced tea.
Snack. For example, 2 1/2 cups popcorn with 1 1/2 teaspoons margarine.
What are the results of this kind of diet?
Embracing a healthy-eating plan is the best way to keep your blood sugar level under control and prevent diabetes complications. And if you need to lose weight, you can tailor the plan to your specific goals.
Aside from managing your diabetes, a healthy diet offers other benefits too. Because this diet recommends generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber, following it is likely to lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. And eating low-fat dairy products can reduce your risk of low bone mass in the future.
Are there any risks?
If you live with diabetes, it’s important that you partner with your health care provider and dietitian to create an eating plan that works for you. Use healthy foods, portion control and a schedule to manage your blood sugar level. If you don’t follow your prescribed diet, you run the risk of blood sugar levels that change often and more-serious complications.