How to Control Diabetes by Diet

Diabetics who have no other disease complications are basically allowed to consume all kinds of food only if total calories or food intake in a day not exceeds the normal amount. When serving foods such as: burgers or steak, normal range is between 8-12 oz per serving. However, diabetics are still allowed to consume those foods but only 3 oz per serving. Foods containing fat and high cholesterol should be avoided, so do carbohydrates and sugar products.

It is advisable to eat a lot of whole foods such as: whole grains, whole wheat, brown rice, mashed rice, sorghum, oats and fresh or organic vegetables. Other foods, such as: fruit, juice, desserts or snacks, may also be allowed to consume by diabetics but in limited amounts.

Diabetics are recommended to perform a varied diet with a comparison between limited carbohydrate and sugar, low-fat meats, fresh fruits and skim fat milk. They should also learn about Glycemic Index (GI) and how to count carbohydrate needs. The selection of food low in carbohydrate and Glycemic Index will greatly assist the body's metabolism in maintaining stability of blood sugar in the body.

Another diet for diabetics is sodium intake that must be kept tightly. Diabetics should also avoid consuming canned or processed foods, such as: corned beef, instant noodles, salted fish, bacon, egg, salt, sardines and shredded, which have high sodium levels more than 400 mg.

Diabetics are still allowed to consume soy sauce, which has low sodium levels less than 140 mg. If you prefer soy sauce as your menu, you can take it without sodium or salt. Alte
atively, you can dilute it until reaching the amount that is still allowed to consume. A teaspoon of salt served per person contains 2,325 milligrams sodium, while a quarter teaspoon for six servings contains 105 mg sodium.

Diet for diabetics often has to be combined with other types according to the needs of diabetics. Combination of diabetes diet with low-protein, low-fat, low-carbohydrate and low-sodium makes calculation of the total calories of food intake per day becomes important.

However, weight loss becomes a must in addition to eating low fat and cholesterol foods in certain diabetics. For diabetics those who have impaired renal function, low-sodium and minerals diet are also needed to support healthy life. Diabetics should also be cautious in consuming mineral water because affecting the total amount of minerals consumed in a day.