What Type of Diet Should a Diabetic Eat?

The diabetic diet should be a balanced diet that includes food from the basic food groups. The key to a healthy diet is to choose healthy foods such as lean meats, low fat foods and fiber-rich carbohydrates. Because the diabetic must watch sugar intake, carbohydrates are often counted, fats are limited and calories are monitored.

1. Carbohydrates

   • The body uses carbohydrates for energy by turning them to sugar. Diabetics can eat any carbohydrates, but they must limit their intake according to what their dietitian determines.

   Protein

   • Protein should be lean. Eat red meat only three times a week, and eat plenty of fish.

   Vegetables and Fruit

   • Vegetables and fruit supply minerals and vitamins. Eat at least three servings a day. A serving is a small fruit or 1/2 cup of vegetables.

   Dairy

   • Dairy supplies calcium. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Try to eat at least two servings of dairy a day.

   Fats

   • Monitor your intake of saturated fats. Avoid foods with more than one percent of saturated fats per serving, or foods with more than three total fats per serving.

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