As a diabetic, you do not need to prepare two separate meals, (one for yourself and one for your family). You do not need to buy specific “diabetic” food items. The diabetic diet focuses on making healthy food choices and gradually making changes in your eating habits. This diet focuses on taking steps to control blood sugar, blood fats (lipids), blood pressure, and allows for a gradual weight loss. This will allow for blood sugar control while lowering your risk for developing complications.
The diabetic diet consists of keeping your intake of carbohydrates consistent. You should consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy. You should choose lean meats and healthy fats. This will provide your body with needed vitamins, minerals, nutrients, energy, and fiber. You do not need to give up all sweets and sugar. However, these food items contain very little nutritional value and consuming small portions is key.
It is important to eat three meals a day. Do not forget to consume breakfast. Snacks may be consumed if there are large time gaps between meals, to maintain energy levels, to prevent hunger between meals, or to provide needed nutrients. Make sure that you choose a healthy snack and keep the portion size small.
There is not a one size fits all diet when we think about the diabetic diet. Individual’s schedules, lifestyle, and food preferences will help a registered dietitian develop a meal plan that fits you.
To learn more about the diabetic diet, eating healthy to control blood sugar, and diabetes management, consider attending education with Wayne HealthCare’s Diabetic Self-Management Education Program. You can attend individual education or group classes for a comprehensive overview of the diabetes.
Group classes provide comprehensive education regarding the diabetes disease process, monitoring, medications, exercise, reducing risk of complications, coping with diabetes, and nutrition management. The class is provided in a series of four classes with a cost of $10 for each class.
Upcoming classes provided at Wayne HealthCare will be provided in the morning or afternoon to meet your schedule. Morning class series will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on October 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2013 and December 2, 4, 9 and 11, 2013. The afternoon class series will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2013.
Please contact the Certified Diabetes Educator at Wayne HealthCare at 937-547-5750 to learn more about the educational opportunities available for individuals with diabetes to help you live a healthy life.
