DIABETES AND MEAL PLANNING
6/8/2009
There is no one diet for diabetes management. A healthy meal plan controls carbohydrates and limits fat. Carbohydrates have a direct impact on blood sugar and initially limiting carbohydrates but not eliminating them can control blood sugar for some patients.
It is important that all Americans receive a minimal of 130 grams of carbohydrates each day. It is critical that you learn how foods affect blood sugar. It is important to learn how to read labels for carbohydrate and fat.
Fad diets are not recommended because they are too high in fat and people with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease.
It is helpful for all patients with a diagnosis of diabetes to meet with a registered dietitian to assess food intake and to obtain suggestions to improve food choices and ultimately health! Most health plans will cover dietician consultations. The staff of Genesis Medical would be happy to schedule an appointment at your convenience with the Diabetic Education Program affiliated with your health plan.
Dietitians do understand that it is extremely difficult to change eating habits but even minor changes can benefit you tremendously.
For more about meal planning, go to: www.diabetes.org. This site also contains "My Food Advisor" which is a powerful tool for making good food choices.
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