Page 40 - Diabetic Clarity

Diabetic Clarity

• Grains, breads and starches
• Vegetables (non-starchy vegetables)
• Fruits
• Milk products
• Meat and other proteins
• Fats, sweets and oils

How much should a diabetic consume from each of the food groups?
The key is to consume 50 to 60 percent of their calories from the
fruits, vegetables and starches. The higher in the pyramid, the less
food you should consume from them.

The top of the pyramid – fats, sweets and oils – should be consumed
sporadically. By doing so, diabetics can gain control over their blood
sugar levels and reach a healthier weight while also reducing their
chance of cardiovascular disease.

A Look At Fats and Diabetes

Diabetics are encouraged to reduce how many calories they consume
from fat – less than 30 percent is ideal. They also need to reduce
saturated fats to 10 percent.

Total dietary cholesterol should be under 30mg per day. By doing this,
diabetics decrease numerous risk factors like high serum cholesterol
levels that can lead to coronary heart disease – the number one cause
of death for diabetics.

Make sure your diabetic meal plan consists of non-animal protein
sources (peanut butter, for example). However, if there are any signs
of renal disease, diabetics are encouraged to reduce their protein
consumption amount.

Fiber Can Reduce Your Blood Sugar Level

Diabetics are encouraged to increase their consumption of fiber, as a
high-fiber diet can help in reducing total cholesterol and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol.

40