Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes. The diet may be used alone or in combination with insulin injections or oral hypoglycaemic drugs. The number one concern in diet is to watch those sugar levels! Weight loss is also a big concern since overwieght conditions will typically aggravate the diabetic condition. The goals for a diabetic diet are basically to achieve near normal blood glucose levels and protect the heart and cholesterol levels. Diabetes experts suggest meal plans that are flexible and take your lifestyle and other health needs into account.

For diabetics, the best type of diet is a low-fat diet with complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are not the best thing for diabetics. Complex Carbohydrates are a much better source of energy for diabetics. These include whole wheat or wholegrain breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, beans, oats and most vegetables and fruits.

Fiber is an important component of many diabetic diets. It is found only in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans and peas. Other sources include whole grain breads and brown rice. Dried beans, oat bran, barley, apples, citrus fruits and potatoes all have great advantages for the heart and for healthy cholesterol levels.

Patients with Type 1 diabetes should have a diet that has approximately 35 calories per kg of body weight per day (or 16 calories per pound of body weight per day). Patients with Type 2 diabetes generally are put on a 1500-1800 calorie diet per day to promote weight loss and then the maintenance of ideal body weight.

It is quite important for diabetics to understand the principles of carbohydrate counting and how to help control blood sugar levels through proper diet.

Points to remember

1. Being careful about when and how many carbohydrates you eat
2. Consider the likes and dislikes of the patient
3. Eating less fat
4. Eating lots of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables
5. It is important to control the amount and time of food intake
6. Limiting sweets
7. Limiting your use of alcohol
8. Meals should not be missed
9. Try to substitute the craving for sweet by taking some fruit

Foods to be avoided
Glucose, sugar, honey, all sweets, chocolates and candies

Foods to be restricted
Potatoes, Yam, Arbi, Sweet Potatoes, Mangoes, Grapes, Bananas, Alcoholic Beverages, Fried Foods, Paranthas, Poories, Pakoras, Mathris, Deep Fried Foods, Dry Fruits, Salad Oils, Cakes and Pastries.

Foods to be used freely
Green Leafy Vegetables, Tomatoes, Cucumber. Radish, Soups, Buttermilk, Tea and Coffee without Sugar