Diabetes is a chronic illness that can cause severe medical issues if not managed properly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in 2008. A monitored, well-balanced diet along with medication and exercise is the only known treatment for diabetic patients. If the regimen is followed, diabetics can lead a normal, healthy and long life.

Types

There are several different types of diabetes, the most common being type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, the pancreas has lessened or stopped altogether the secretion of a hormone called insulin. Type 2 diabetics do produce insulin, but their bodies are unable to process it efficiently. Carbohydrates and sugar in the diet provide the body with blood sugar. In a healthy person, insulin bonds with the blood sugar to provide the brain with food and the body with energy. For a diabetic, carbohydrate and sugar intake must be closely monitored to match the amount of insulin or oral medication they are taking to prevent hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.

Diet

The hallmark of a diabetic's diet is strict monitoring of carbohydrates and sugar. The American Diabetes Association recommends that 50 to 60 percent of a diabetics' diet should come from carbohydrates and 30 percent from fat. That does not mean that diabetics are free to eat all of the rice, potatoes and bread that they want. Carbohydrates break down at different rates in the body, resulting in very different levels of blood sugar, and are found in many types of foods including breads, starches, milk, beans and some vegetables as well. Meals should always be low fat since diabetes is closely linked with cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for type 2 diabetics as obesity and lack of exercise are the main causes for the disease.

Glycemic Index

The best way to plan a meal or diet for a diabetic is to become familiar with the Glycemic Index (GI). The Glycemic Index rates foods between 0 and 100 depending on the amount of time it takes to break down in the body and how much blood sugar it provides. Pure glucose is ranked at 100 on the Glycemic Index. Any food that is rated less than 55 is considered a low-GI food, and foods higher than 70 are considered high-GI foods. In bakery products, for example, pound cake is considered a low-GI food. Multigrain and whole-grain breads, white rice, milk, low-fat ice cream, protein-enriched pasta, carrots, tomato soup and most vegetables (except for broad beans) are also low-GI foods. The snack category is a bit surprising. A 30-gram chocolate bar is a low-GI food, while popcorn is an intermediate-GI food, and corn chips and pretzels actually rank very high on the Glycemic Index.

Meal Planning

Be sure to understand the type of diet that the diabetic is on as well. There is the constant carbohydrate meal plan, the carbohydrate counting meal plan, and the exchange meal plan. While the foods that a diabetic can eat will remain constant regardless of the type of diet, the amounts of carbohydrates at each meal can differ.

Source:

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Glycemic Index

American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Forecast Magazine

Resource:

Nemours' Kids Health: Diabetic Diet Plans

National Institutes of Health Medline Plus: Diabetic Diet