Nutrition therapy recommendations for the management of adults with diabetes. Diabetes: Working to reverse the US epidemic: At a glance 2016.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. People who follow this method should generally choose their foods based on those with the lowest GI score, and avoid those with the highest. Under this system, foods are ranked according to their effect on blood sugar. The exchange lists system groups foods together in different categories based on similar amounts of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and calories.Īll choices on each list are equal and so can be exchanged for any other food on the same list. Limit or avoid carbohydrates from refined grains and sugary foods. The amount of carbohydrates required varies for each person, depending on their activity levels and medication use. It can be useful for those who take insulin, as it may inform how much insulin is needed. This involves tracking daily carbohydrate intake to manage blood glucose levels. Low glycemic diabetic health food with blood sugar testing and lancing devices with meal chart and. Share on Pinterest Healthful carbohydrates include whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. It is a good idea to try to only drink alcohol with a meal, and take some alcohol-free days every week. It is not advisable to drink on an empty stomach, or when blood glucose is low. That means a maximum of 1 drink per day for women, or 2 for men. Most people with diabetes can enjoy alcohol in moderation. It’s always a good idea to check blood sugar levels to see how your body responds to different foods and drinks. Diet sodas should also be avoided as they have been shown to increase sugar cravings, and can still cause an insulin response. It is best to avoid regular sodas, energy drinks, and other sweetened beverages. If drinking fruit juice this should be in quantities of 4 ounces or less and the carbohydrate amount this equates to should be kept in mind. There is not one optimal blood sugar-balancing diet for everyone. It contains a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats fat, and lean protein options. This 5-day meal plan was designed for a person who needs about 1,700-1800 calories per day.

Other drink options that can be enjoyed in moderation include: Sample 5-Day Blood Sugar-Balancing Meal Plan. The best non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy are: Drinks also play a role in affecting blood glucose levels.

Food isn’t the only concern when it comes to planning a healthful diabetic diet.

Diabetic weekly meal planning chart