Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition that is caused by a problem with insulin where either the body can not make enough insulin or use it properly.  This leads to issues with maintaining blood glucose levels in the body.  So, eating properly is vital to helping maintain the proper balance in blood glucose levels throughout the day.

Many diabetics follow a high fiber, low saturated fat diet that limits the amount of carbohydrates consumed each day.  According to the Mayo Clinic when following a diabetic style diet, “Your best bet is to adopt a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in fat and calories. If you have diabetes, you should follow these guidelines when making food choices:

• Carbohydrates. Between 45 percent and 65 percent of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates.

 

• Fat. No more than 20 percent to 35 percent of your total daily calories should come from fat. Of those calories, no more than 7 percent should come from saturated fat, and you should try to avoid all trans fat.

 

• Protein. Between 15 percent and 20 percent of your total daily calories should come from protein.

 

• Cholesterol. Limit cholesterol to less than 200 milligrams a day.”

Diabetics should also follow a planned eating schedule where they eat every few hours.  The added bonus beyond controlling blood sugar levels and thus diabetes include less overeating, making better food choices, and losing weight.  Because of the benefits of eating in this style even people without diabetes can benefit from following these basic concepts.

In review a few key diabetic healthy eating tips include:

 

• Eat less fat
• Eat more fiber - whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Eat often
• Watch the amount of carbohydrates you eat
• Limit sugary foods
• Limit alcohol consumption

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