Diabetes care
Myths of a diabetic diet
Many people with diabetes think they have to follow a strict diet. Not true.
You do have to watch your insulin, but you can eat normally.
Here are some myths about eating if you are diabetic.
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You have to eat different foods. False. You
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You do not have to worry about fat. False.
To sum up, if you eat a healthy, balanced diet
can eat the same foods as the rest of your
You need to consider fat as much as any
and watch your blood sugar, you can eat almost
family, so long as everyone is eating a
other person. Fat doesn’t directly affect
any food. Remember to make smart choices
healthy diet. Just watch your portion size.
blood sugar, but it does affect digestion.
about what you eat.
You have to avoid certain foods. False. You
It also makes it harder for insulin to work
and can lead to other health problems.
do not have to avoid any foods. Just be
careful. Watch your portion size and don’t
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You must eat a low-salt diet. False. You
overdo it. Don’t give into cravings all the
can follow a normal diet, but be careful.
time, just once in a while.
Too much salt can affect your blood
You can’t eat starchy foods. False. You
pressure. Be careful, too, about eating too
might think that eating starchy foods will
raise your blood sugar and make you gain
Source: American Diabetes Association
many processed foods. Canned foods are
often high in salt.
weight. Not true. Starchy foods provide
energy. Do try to eat whole-grain, highfiber foods. Watch portion sizes and make
sure you are eating a balanced diet to avoid
gaining weight.
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This is general health information and should not replace the advice or care you get from your provider. Always ask your provider about your own health care needs.
Meal planning with diabetes
A healthy diet is very important when you have
diabetes. Smart food choices help you control
your blood sugar. Missing a meal or eating too
Here are some tips to help you:
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by dividing it in half. Then take one of the
much or too little of something can create a
halves and divide that in half.
health issue for you.
Plan your meals around your
schedule
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Fill the biggest section - half of your plate
- with non-starchy vegetables. Spinach,
carrots, lettuce, green beans, tomatoes,
Think about your daily routine and your
mushrooms and peppers are good
weekly activities. Try to eat meals and
choices.
snacks about the same time.
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Divide your plate into three sections. Start
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In one of the smaller portions, you can
As you plan your meal, make sure you
put starchy foods like whole grain breads,
include all the food groups.
pasta, cereals or rice.
Make sure that you are watching
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In the other smaller portion, add your
your blood sugar, blood pressure and
protein. Lean proteins are best, like
cholesterol numbers.
chicken or turkey (no skin), fish, eggs,
Count your carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are starchy foods like bread,
tofu and lean cuts of pork and beef.
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cereal, rice and crackers. Fruits, vegetables and
dairy products also contain carbs. Other foods
that have carbs include sweets and snack foods
like chips, sodas, candy and cookies.
Work with your PCP to figure out how many
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there will be some changes for them, but life
can be close to normal. They just need more
planning in their day, especially around meals
and snacks.
Remind them how important it is for them to
eat right and exercise. They also need to watch
their insulin carefully. Diabetes is something
they can learn to manage, but it shouldn’t
finish off your meal.
Source: American Diabetes Association
You can also drink a small glass of skim or
low-fat milk.
Eating healthy has other benefits. It helps
control your weight and can prevent other
health issues and diseases.
Talk to your PCP if you need help creating a
content. If it’s from a package, read the label. Be
for some children. Take time to explain that
interfere with their goals and dreams.
take a look at what you are eating, and figure
food, then you will need to look up the carb
Being diagnosed with diabetes is very hard
Add a small piece of fruit or some juice to
carbohydrates you can have every day. Then
out how many carbs are in them. If it’s a fresh
Explaining
diabetes to
your child
meal plan that works for you.
Source: American Diabetes Association
sure to check the serving size.
Even while you count your carbohydrates,
think about how you fill your plate. Make sure
you include a variety of foods from different
food groups.
This isis general
general health information and should not replace
provider about your own
own health
health care needs.
This
replace the
the advice
advice or
or care
care you
you get
getfrom
fromyour
yourprovider.
provider.Always ask your provider