Best Diabetic Diet Chart: A Complete Guide to Control Diabetes

Diabetes is caused when the sugar levels in the blood remain abnormally high. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose (sugar) from the blood into the body’s cells. The cells then derive energy from this glucose to perform various functions or store it for further use. In conditions where the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the cells of the body become less sensitive to insulin and do not take up glucose in a way they normally should, it results in the accumulation of sugar in the blood and causes diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes, but it is possible to lead a normal life by effectively controlling blood sugar levels with the help of medicines, a diabetic diet, and remaining physically active. Also know about pp sugar range

This article will provide a detailed diabetic diet chart that will optimally guide individuals living with diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels. Know about fruit for diabetes.

What does a diabetes diet mean? How does it help to control diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which lifestyle and diet play a vital role. Whenever we think about diabetes, the first thought is that we are not supposed to eat any sweet foods. However, the fact is that a diabetic diet goes much beyond just avoiding sugars.

A diabetic diet provides balanced nutrition with foods with a low glycemic index, such as complex carbohydrates and whole foods that take time to digest and result in a slow and steady rise in blood sugar levels, giving adequate time for insulin to act. This helps maintain the sugar level, thus better-controlling diabetes and preventing further complications of diabetes. Also read about how to prevent diabetes

In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, a diet chart for diabetes also helps maintain a healthy weight and cholesterol level, which are important risk factors for diabetes. Following a diabetic diet also reduces the pill burden of anti-diabetic medications.

People living with diabetes need to watch their calorie intake, and a 1200 – 1500  plan is usually considered a good one to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and weight.

A sugar patient diet chart can vary for each individual depending upon age, weight, BMI, gender, lifestyle, food preferences, comorbid conditions, medications that you are on, etc. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a certified dietitian who will make the best diabetes food chart for you, considering all the above factors.

Diabetic food myths

Consuming a diabetic food plan incorrectly can make you fall for a lot of misleading information, therefore it is essential to follow the correct diabetes food chart. Curing diabetes does not mean that you have to devoid yourself of most food items. Efficiently managing your diabetes can help you to satisfy some of your food cravings. For that to happen, you mustn't get trapped by the prevailing misunderstanding about diabetes diet chart. Do not fall for the following myths about diabetic eating. 

1) Carbs are unhealthy- Be it a pre diabetes diet or a normal diabetes diet, carbs are not the enemy of diabetic eating. Consuming carbohydrates for a diabetic diet have a lot of misleading information around it. Though carbs impact your blood sugar levels, this doesn’t imply that you should eliminate them from your diet, instead go for the right kind of carbs and keep a track of the quantity consumed. 

To intake healthy carbs inculcate whole grains such as wheat, brown rice, and millets like foxtail, bajra, ragi, etc. As these have high amounts of water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and fibers, they help to control blood sugar levels.

2) Eliminate eating fruits- One of the biggest myths associated with diabetes is that diabetics cannot have fruits. One doesn’t need to avoid fruits because they taste sweet. You must remember the fact that fruits are rich sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers. However, a diabetic must consume whole fruit rather than fruit juices. Also, avoid eating them instantly after having your meal as this might spike the sugar levels.

Best Diet Chart for person with diabetes

Here is a sample diet chart for diabetes:

After waking up in the morning, avoid tea or coffee. Instead, drink a glass of fenugreek water (1 tbsp fenugreek seeds soaked in a glass of water overnight). You may also eat a few soaked nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. Also know about benefits of curd with sugar

‍Also know about post prandial blood sugar

Do’s And Don’ts Diet Plan for Sugar individual

Do’s:

• Eat 4-6 small meals rather than 3 large ones.
• Include whole-grain, high-fibre foods (cereals, pulses, green vegetables) for better postprandial sugar control.
• Consume lots of vegetables as they are low-fat, low-salt, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
•  Eat only 1-2 portions of fruits in a day.
• Mainly include low-glycemic index foods.
•  Prefer olive oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and gingelly oil.

Don’ts:

• Starchy and refined flour such as maida, rava, potatoes, white bread, and processed foods.
• Sweet fruits like sapodilla, custard apple, mango, and banana.
• Fruit juices with added sugar and colas.

Also read about are grapes good for diabetes

Food list for diabetics ‍

Food Items

• Cereals: Oats, Brown rice, Quinoa, Ragi, Broken wheat
• Pulses: Kidney beans, chickpeas, soybeans, moong pulses, masoor pulses
• Milk and dairy products: Skim milk, low-fat curd, cottage cheese
• Eggs, meat, fish: Lean meat, tuna, Tuna, Salmon, Cod, Chicken breast. Also know about freedom from diabetes

Fruits

Apples, oranges, muskmelon, kiwi, pears, grapes, cherries. Also know about pp blood sugar

Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables, ladies finger, all types of gourd-bitter gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd, etc.

Consuming certain foods will help you to keep your blood sugar levels under control and lower your risk of developing complications. Here is a list of foods that diabetics must include in their diet. 

• ‍Green leafy vegetables- Packed with nutrients, these are best for low-calorie diets. These include kale and spinach, which are best for reducing fasting blood sugar levels.

• ‍Cinnamon- It improves insulin receptivity due to its high antioxidant content, which helps to maintain optimum blood sugar levels. However, consume the ideal quantity for better results.‍

• Chia seeds- High in fiber content, consuming chia seeds helps to slow down the rate at which your food travels through your gut and gets absorbed, which will help you to feel full and attain your weight loss goals. ‍

• Fatty fish- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, etc. will prevent you from developing heart problems that diabetic people are prone to. ‍

• Greek yogurt- The probiotics present in Greek yogurt enables it to control sugar levels. It has fewer carbs as compared to ordinary yogurts and has been proven beneficial for type 2 diabetes and can be added in your type 2 diabetes food chart.‍

• Flaxseeds- Lignans present in flaxseeds control sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. Intaking flax seeds helps to improve hemoglobin A1c. It also aids gut health and insulin sensitivity. ‍

• Nuts- These are optimum for reducing inflammation in lowering HbA1c levels. Having digestive fibers are best to keep sugar levels in control. Nuts are ideal for lowering insulin levels. ‍

• Apple cider vinegar- It contains negligible carbs and intaking  it can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood sugar levels. ‍

• Garlic- Studies show that the consumption of garlic can reduce sugar level, inflammation and LDL levels. Added to that, garlic contains few calories which help to attain calorie deficit.‍

• Strawberries- An antioxidant called anthocyanins present in strawberries makes them ideal for reducing insulin and cholesterol levels. Intake of strawberries has also shown beneficial results for people with type 2 diabetes. 

‍Foods to avoid in diabetes 

 Intaking the wrong foods will affect your blood sugar levels and make you prone to developing diabetic complications. Knowing what not to eat will aid you to follow a sugar control diet chart.

• ‍Refined sugar- Excessive intake of refined sugar or processed sugar leads to weight gain which affects insulin receptivity and increases blood sugar levels. Consuming sugar may also cause many other serious disorders.‍

• Refined flour and ready-to-make cereals- As refined flour is simple carbs, it leads to spiked sugar levels. Similarly, processed foods such as cereals have a high GI and raise sugar levels. Such foods include biscuits, sweets, maida, etc. ‍

• Certain fruits- An optimum diabetic diet chart will eliminate certain fruits that have a high glycemic index. These fruits contain a natural sugar called fructose that spikes sugar levels. Such fruits include mango, banana, grapes, etc. Also, avoid consuming fruit juices.‍

• Roots and Tubers- These are packed with carbohydrates and minimal nutrients. Their post-cooking starch levels spike the sugar levels. Common examples are potato, carrot, beetroot, yam, radish, etc. ‍

• Whole milk products- A good diabetic plan to lose weight will include skimmed milk instead of whole milk as both contain the same amount of calcium but whole milk contains more calories that disrupt the sugar levels.‍

• Sodium-rich foods- Diabetic people are at higher risk of having high blood pressure. Consumption of sodium-rich foods such as salt, pickle, papad, baking soda, baked products, etc. will increase the risk of developing BP problems. ‍

• Carbonated beverages- Diabetic meal plan chart must eliminate carbonated beverages as the excessive sugar content in them spikes up blood sugar levels. This also becomes the cause of many other diseases.‍

• Red meat- This food is packed with immense saturated fats and therefore, consuming it will raise your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels which can lead to cardiovascular problems. ‍

• Coconut- Consuming coconut can spike your blood sugar levels as it is packed with saturated fats. Excessive intake can lead to the risk of developing heart problems. Although, consuming in optimal quantities is recommended. 

What is a healthy calorie count for a diabetic food plan? 

 Daily calorie count differs for all diabetic people depending upon various factors. These factors include age, sex, existing body weight, physical activity in the mind, and metabolism. As per experts, normally a daily calorie intake of 1200-1500 calories is considered optimum to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Added to that, usually, an average diet meal plan chart would let you consume most of your calories from complex carbohydrates. For instance, if you are consuming 1500 calories a day then around 600-700 calories would come from complex carbs. Here are some of the best sources of complex carbs. 

 Consume low-GI fruits and non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.

 Intake of whole foods such as jawar, bajra, whole wheat, legumes, seeds, nuts, etc.

‍Bottomline

People with diabetes can lead a normal life if they learn the nuances of managing their diabetes. They need to understand the dietary modifications that can help them control their blood sugar levels. Consulting a dietician to learn about calorie counting and portion control and prepare a customized diabetic meal plan is recommended. Follow the sugar patient diet chart meticulously, exercise regularly, and take your anti-diabetic medications as prescribed, and you are good to go!

FAQs

How can I control my sugar without tablets?

If your diabetes is borderline, you can control your sugar without tablets by strictly following a diabetic diet and a healthy lifestyle by remaining physically active and doing regular exercises. You must, however, monitor your blood sugars regularly and follow up with your doctor. In addition, do not hesitate to take medicine for diabetes if your doctor recommends it.

Can I eat carbohydrates if I’m diabetic?

Yes, you must eat carbohydrates even if you have diabetes, as they are the main energy source. Include complex carbs such as whole grains in your diet, which do not cause sudden sugar spikes and help control blood sugar levels.

What are three eating tips for people with diabetes?

• Eat 4-6 smaller meals as opposed to 3 large ones.
• Do not skip breakfast.
• Avoid processed, starchy, and refined foods.

Can people with diabetes eat rice?

White rice is not considered good for people with diabetes as it has a high glycemic index that causes sugar spikes and is low in fibre and nutritional value. Brown rice is the healthier option for people with diabetes as it is rich in fibre and minerals and has a lower glycemic index.