American Diabetic Diet

Because diabetes is such a widespread problem in the United States, learning more about the principles of the American diabetic diet is beneficial for those who have the diseases as well as those who want to prevent developing problems down the road.

Importance of American Diabetic Diet

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the fifth most deadly disease in American, affecting nearly 21 million Americans. This staggering number represents an estimated 7 percent of the United States population. Many people with diabetes are undiagnosed, and often go untreated until serious health-related problems develop.

Anyone who has diabetes or is at risk for developing diabetes is well served by following a diabetic diet. The principles of how a person with diabetes should eat in many ways echo the healthy eating habits that everyone should strive to develop, whether impacted by this disease or not.

Diabetes Food Pyramid

The American Diabetes association recommends that those observing an American diabetic diet utilize its Diabetes Food Pyramid, which differs from the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, as a guideline for planning meals.

Foods are not grouped in terms of how they are classified within a particular food group. Instead, the Diabetes Food Pyramid groups foods based on their composition in terms of carbohydrates and protein. For this reason,diabetics must develop a solid understanding of the diabetic exchange system.

Individuals who utilize this pyramid to guide their food choices will consume approximately 1,600 to 2,800 calories each day, depending on the number of servings consumed.

Pyramid Recommendations

1. Beans, grains, and starches (6 - 11 servings daily)
2. Vegetables (3 - 5 servings daily)
3. Fruit (2 - 4 servings daily)
4. Dairy (2 - 3 servings daily)
5. Meats, Meat Substitutes, and Proteins (4 - 6 ounces per day)
6. Oils, Fats, Sweets, Alcohol (consume only in small quantities - consider them treats)

Other Factors to Consider

The food pyramid doesn't paint a complete picture of the best American diabetic diet. There are several other factors to consider when eating to control or prevent this disease.

• All grain products are not created equal. It's important to develop the habit of choosing whole grain products, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread instead of heavily processed varieties.

• When selecting protein sources, make a point of picking the leanest cuts of meat. For example, choose ground sirloin instead of ground chuck or ground round because the fat content is lower.

• Poultry can be a great low fat choice for diabetics; however it is vital to remove poultry skin before eating to avoid eating too much fat. It's also better to consume lower fat white meat rather than dark.

• Diabetics must remember that starchy vegetables aren't really vegetables. Eating potatoes doesn't eliminate the need to consume fiber-rich, non-starchy vegetables.

• Soluble fiber plays an important role in the regulation of blood sugar, because it reduces the rate at which glucose is absorbed from the intestines. Therefore, beans, leafy vegetables, and other foods rich in soluble fiber are important components of a healthy diabetic diet.

• Developing a regular dining schedule is very important for controlling fluctuations in blood sugar. Diabetics should avoid skipping meals and snacking unnecessarily between scheduled eating occasions. This is particularly important for those taking insulin, but is in fact necessary for all diabetics.

• Consuming excess salt is not healthy for diabetics or for anyone else. It is advisable to restrict sodium consumption.

• Sugar should be consumed rarely, and only in very small quantities.

Diabetic Cooking

Food prepared in compliance with the principles of a healthy diet for diabetics can be very tasty. While it's important for diabetics to develop and understanding of the proportions of different types of foods that diabetics should consume, it's also necessary to learn how to prepare foods that meet the recommended guidelines.

Since there is a genetic component to the disease, it can be beneficial to incorporate the principles of diabetic cooking into the preparation of all family meals. For cookbooks and other educational materials recommended by the American Diabetes Association, visit the non-profit organization's online bookstore. You can also contact the association at 1-800-DIABETES to obtain a list of diabetes education programs in your area.