What is a Diabetic Diet
Are diabetic diet foods different?
A diabetic diet need not be a complete deviation from the normal diet in terms of planning the diet. Even a normal Indian diet is ideal for a diabetic. However, the food choices, the timing of meals, portion sizes and nutrient intakes should be tailor-made to each individual as per their age, height, weight, physical activity, physiological needs. It is best to consult a qualified nutritionist or dietician to understand this. He/ she will formulate and prescribe a suitable diabetic diet plan for each person.
Goals of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Diabetes
- To promote and support healthful eating patterns. The emphasis should be to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods. These foods should be in appropriate portion sizes. The focus should be to improve the overall diet keeping the following points in mind:
- Maintain the glucose in blood and urine within normal limits
- Attain normal blood pressure, and lipids goals to prevent vascular complications and maintain healthy blood vessels
- Achieve and maintain body weight goals
- Treat diabetes symptoms
- Delay or prevent complications of diabetes
2. To address individual nutrition needs based on personal and cultural preferences, health literacy and numeracy, access to healthful food choices, willingness and ability to make behavioral changes.
3. To enjoy eating with positive messages about food choices. Limit food choices which are not supported as healthy by scientific evidence.
4. To provide the individual with diabetes with practical tools for day-to-day meal planning. The focus should not be on individual macronutrients, micronutrients, or single foods.
Treatment for diabetes
- Diet
- Exercise
- Medications
- Education on diabetes management
Diabetic diet guidelines
The diabetic diet guidelines broadly classify food into 3 categories:
Foods allowed liberally, Foods allowed moderately, Foods to avoid
| Foods allowed freely | Moderate allowance | Foods to Avoid |
| Vegetables, Nuts, Spices, High fiber foods, Spices | Nuts, Fats, Cereals, Pulses, Fruits, Milk and dairy, Meat (Non-veg food), Eggs, Artificial sweeteners | Sweets, Sugar, Honey, Jams and Jellies, Cakes and pastries, Sweetened juices, sherbets, and soft drinks |
Diabetic diet guidelines for
eating out
A diabetic person can make food choices as guided by his/ her dietician. Briefly, they should avoid sweets, eat whole grains and pulses in the amounts as per their diet, consume vegetables more freely, use fats in limited amounts, eat fruits in amounts and timings as permitted to them by their dietician.
Glycemic index and food combinations are something you can talk to your dietitian about. He/She will help you understand and choose low glycemic index foods.
As humans, most people have the tendency to isolate and glamourize specific foods as being good or bad. Do not get bogged down or believe in such myths and misconceptions. It is desirable to eat healthy food combinations. These food combinations should include a variety of food groups. Find out what causes diabetes and different types of diabetes. Consult your dietitian expert to help you make the right food choices to manage your blood sugars effectively. This can help to avoid diabetes complications.
Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions. You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |
2 replies on “What is a Diabetic Diet”
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