Diabetic Diet (Calculated Diet)

A diabetic diet is basically a balanced diet measured to provide the number of exchanges or servings based on the individual’s caloric requirement. Serving sizes are dictated by the Food Exchange List. Not only the amount but the kind of foods and regularity of meals are considered. Concentrated sweets and simple carbohydrates are avoided.

The diabetic diet is high in fiber and low in fat. A diet therapy for diabetes.

Some Tips for a Diabetic Diet

• Consult a licensed nutritionist-dietitian for your specific nutrient needs.

• Ask for a calculated diet plan.

• Plan, experiment, and present your diet plan to a licensed nutritionist-dietitian for approval

• Do not eat too much or too little.

• Avoid sugar and high-sugar containing food items such as candies, sweets, soft drinks, rich desserts, chocolates, sweetened juices, ice creams, cakes.

• Eat a heavy breakfast, moderate lunch and a light supper. This is recommended unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor. Sometimes snacks are prescribed depending on medication or insulin injection.

• Eat regularly.

• Increase your fiber intake by including a generous amount of leafy vegetables daily in your diet. See High-Fiber Diet.

• Use legumes and whole grains more than processed meat alternatives. They will help increase dietary fiber and contain no cholesterol.

• Limit fruits to 3 exchanges per day. The fresher the better. Processing and refining make natural sugars in fruits more readily absorbable which may lead to rapid rise in blood sugar.

• Drink a cup of low fat milk a day.

• Avoid coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, including wine and liquor.

• Drink 6 to 8 (at least) glasses of water a day in between meals. See The Importance of Water.

• Apply low-salt diet and low fat diet , and low-cholesterol diet suggestions. Diabetes may lead to hypertension and hypercholesterolemia when uncontrolled.

• Enjoy your meals. Your attitude counts a lot in the management of your blood sugar.

• Understand, follow and be comfortable with your diet plan. Your diet may have to be guided by a plan for the rest of your life.

• Monitor and record your weight and blood sugar.

• Give good attention to your diet, attitude, medication, and physical activity (exercise). Control of blood sugar is better when these things are well-balanced. 

Note: For List of Foods which are Allowed and Not Allowed for a Healthy Diabetic Diet See Diabetic Diet Food Selection Guide



Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.95 & 96 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6