DSI Newsletter: Diabetes and Nutrition

DSI Newsletters, Issue 9:
Diabetes and Nutrition

Why does it matter what I eat?
What you eat is closely connected to the amount of sugar in your blood. The right food choices will help you control your blood sugar level.
Do I have to follow a special diet?
There isn't one "diabetes diet." Your doctor will probably suggest that you work with a registered dietitian to design a meal plan. A meal plan is a guide that tells you what kinds of food you can choose at meals and snack time and how much to have. For most people with diabetes (and those without, too), a healthy diet consists of 40% to 60% of calories from carbohydrages, 20% from protein, and 30% or less from fat.
Can I eat any sugar?
Yes. In recent years, doctors have learned that eating some sugar doesn't usually cause problems for most people with diabetes — as long as it is part of a balanced diet. Just be careful about how much sugar you eat and try not to add sugar to foods.
What kinds of foods can I eat?
In general, at each meal, you may have two to five choices (or up to 60 grams) of carbohydrates, 1 choice of protein and a certain amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for specific advice.

Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy foods, and starchy foods such as breads. Try to have fresh fruits rather than canned fruits (unless they are packed in water or their own juice), fruit juices or dried fruit. You may eat fresh vegetables and frozen or canned vegetables. Condiments such as non-fat mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard are also carbohydrates. They contain four calories per gram.
Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans, and some vegetables. Try to eat poultry and fish more often than red meat. Don't eat poultry skin, and trim extra fat from all meat. Choose non-fat or reduced-fat dairy products such as cheeses and yogurts. They contain four calories per gram.
Fat: Butter, margarine, lard and oils add fat to food. Fat is also found in many dairy and meat products. Try to avoid fried foods, mayonnaise-based dishes (unless they are made with fat-free mayo), egg yolks, bacon and high-fat dairy products. Your doctor or dietitian will tell you how many grams of fat you may eat each day. When eating fat-free versions of foods (like mayonnaise or butter), check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrates they contain. Keep in mind that these products also often have added sugar. They contain nine calories per gram! And, by the way, alcohol contains seven calories per gram.

What is the exchange list?
The exchange list (see the sample below) is a tool to help you plan healthy meals and snacks. To add variety to your diet, you can substitute certain foods for other foods in the same group.

Sample Exchange List

Fruit (each serving contains about 15 grams carbohydrates). You can have 1 small or medium piece of fresh fruit or exchange it for 1/2 cup fruit juice or canned or chopped fruit.
Vegetable (each serving contains about 5 grams carbohydrates). You can have 1 cup raw vegetables or exchange it for 1/2 cup cooked vegetables or vegetable juice.
Starch (each serving contains about 15 grams carbohydrates). You can have 1 slice or ounce bread or exchange it for 1/2 cup pasta, cereal, starchy vegetable.
Sugar, honey, molasses. You can have 1 teaspoon or exchange it for 4 grams carbohydrates.
Milk (does not include cream, yogurt or cheese). You can have 1 cup milk or exchange it for 12 grams carbohydrates and 8 grams protein.
Meat. You can have 1 ounce meat, fish, poultry, cheese or yogurt or exchange it for 1/2 cup dried beans.
Fat (includes nuts, seeds, and small amounts of bacon and peanut butter). You can have 1 teaspoon oil, butter or margarine or exchange it for 5 grams fat.

What if my blood sugar is below or above normal?
If your blood sugar is low, you may become cranky, tired, confused, shaky or sweaty. This is a condition called hypoglycemia. This can happen after you have been working hard or exercising. You should check your blood sugar level and then drink fruit juice or a regular (not diet) soda right away. this will usually bring your level back to normal. However, if you are very thirsty, urinate a lot or have blurred vision, your blood sugar may be much too high. Check your blood sugar level and contact your doctor to find out what to do.
How can I learn more?
For more information, talk to Dr. Saponaro, or look at his web site at www.DrugStudy.MD. You can also learn more by calling the American Diabetes Association at 800-342-2383 or visiting their web site at www.diabetes.org. Another resource is the American Dietetic Association. Their phone number is 800-366-1655, and their web site is www.eatright.org.

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