The term “Diabetic Diet” is a broad term encompassing the several diets available for diabetics.

Principle of The Diabetic Diet

Diabetic Diets are diets used to help a diabetic individual manage their blood sugar levels. Diabetic Diets vary between each individual and is usually tailored by a nutritionist to suit a person's needs.

A Diabetic Diet does not necessarily mean a no-sugar diet. Instead, a Diabetic Diet aims to control the level of glucose in a body. The body converts all foods into glucose, but the release of glucose into a body depends on the food. Carbohydrates release glucose quickly, while protein (found in meat, beans and milk, for instance) and fats release glucose at a slower rate.

Carbohydrates release glucose in about 30 mins, while protein releases glucose in about 3-4 hours and fats in around 6-8 hours.

The Diabetic Diet aims to balance each meal to ensure you receive enough nutrients while also receiving an even release of glucose into the blood.

What are you allowed to eat on the Diabetic Diet?

While each Diabetic Diet is different, the following are generally recommended

• Whole grains
• Beans
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Milk
• Meat – all types of meat, including red meat, poultry and seafood

What is forbidden

Nothing is forbidden in the Diabetic Diet, but the following should be restricted

• Saturated fats – such as junk food and fast food
• Sweets
• Alcohol

The Diabetic Diet Pros and Cons

The Diabetes Diet has helped many with managing diabetes. As diabetes is a disease where there is excessive glucose in the blood, it is logical to control glucose levels through diet.

The Diabetes Diet is flexible and well-balanced, and is intended to not deprive you of any foods. Its flexibility makes it easy to begin and maintain, and prevents you from developing cravings. The Diabetes Diet also recommends healthy dietary changes, as well as other changes such as exercise.

Daily and Weekly Plans

Below is a sample daily plan

Breakfast: 1 orange, 1 medium baked plantain, 1 cup of low-fat milk.

Lunch: Two slices of cheese pizza, 1 cup of melon, 1 cup of mixed green salad.

Afternoon snack: 1 apple, five whole wheat crackers with peanut butter.

Dinner: Rice with Spanish-styled chicken, 1/2 pineapple ring, 1 cup of raw spinach.

Evening Snack: 1 low-fat yogurt, 1 bread stick.

Expected Weight Loss

There are no reports on expected weight loss on Diabetic Diet.

Diet Rating

Ease: 5/5 – An easy diet to begin due to its flexibility.

Balance: 5/5 – A balanced diet which attempts to provide you with the necessary nutrients while maintaining an even release of glucose.

Maintenance: 5/5 – An easy diet to maintain due to its flexibility.

Overall: 5/5