WEBMD DIABETES GUIDE – Having diabetes makes it important to keep a careful eye on your blood sugar (glucose) levels and your weight. It can be tough. But knowing what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat can make it easier. The key is to find what works best for your tastes, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Find the Right Balance
With diabetes, your diet should be high in nutrients and low in fat and calories. There are many ways to do that, like going low-carb, low-fat, or vegetarian. Shoot for a 50-25-25 split, with the largest section filled with non-starchy vegetables (like peppers or spinach), and a section of protein, and one of grains and starches (like beans or potatoes). A daily serving of fruit or dairy and small amounts of healthy fats are OK, too.
Don’t Skip Meals
If you take medicine for diabetes, going too long without eating can lead to seriously low blood sugar levels. And running out the door in the morning without breakfast can set the wrong tone for the day and make you want high-calorie foods later. That can make managing your glucose levels — and your weight — harder.
Consider How Active You Are
Exercise burns glucose and helps your body use insulin. That means it can help control your blood sugar. But it also can affect how much you should eat and how much medicine you need. Talk with your doctor about what your levels should be when you exercise and how often to check them. Your doctor can also help you figure out how to time your meds and meals around your workouts.
Get Plenty of Fiber
Foods that are high in fiber take longer for your body to digest, so they affect your blood sugar levels more slowly. They’re also part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Good choices include non-starchy vegetables (think spinach, collards, or kale), fruits (especially citrus, like grapefruits or oranges), beans, and whole grains …
