The Right Eating Plan Helps Manage Diabetes and Prediabetes

 The first question asked by most people with diabetes when initially diagnosed is, “What can I eat?” There have been thousands of research articles over the course of years that have detailed eating patterns and healthy habits of eating to improve quality of life with diabetes. Using the Diabetes Plate Method, one can create perfectly portioned meals with a healthy balance of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates without having to count, calculate, weigh or measuring.

One key to feeling your best lies in the food you eat. You can start by working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN/RD) to make an eating plan that works for you. In it, be sure to include the foods you like, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Most importantly, remember that eating well, and adding activity to your daily routine by moving more, are important ways you can manage diabetes.

Everyone's body responds differently to different types of foods and diets, so there is no single "magic" diet for diabetes. But you can follow a few simple guidelines to find out what works for you to help manage your blood sugar.

Talking to your doctor and getting a referral to a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who can help you figure out what eating plan makes the most sense for you and your treatment goals. There are many different eating patterns that can help you manage your diabetes from Mediterranean to low-carbohydrate to vegetarian. However, whatever you choose, be sure to include lots of non-starchy vegetables, minimize added sugars and refined grains, and choose whole, minimally processed foods. Macronutrients may vary, and percentages should be individualized. While there is growing evidence to show that low-carbohydrate eating patterns can benefit people with diabetes and prediabetes, there is no one definition for “low carb.” For some, following an eating pattern lower in carbs (26–45% of total calories from carbohydrate) showed better blood sugars and a reduction in diabetes medications, among other benefits. Work closely with your doctor and RDN if you choose a lower carb approach to minimize risks (such as hypoglycemia) and maximize success.

Having the right information at your fingertips is important to improve your quality of life after being diagnosed with diabetes. For more helpful information on dieting, exercise, diabetic supplies visit www.mydiabeticlife.blog.