Unfortunately there is no single diet that meets all the needs of everyone with diabetes. Diabetics ideally
should meet with a professional dietitian to plan an individualized diet within the general guidelines that
takes into consideration their own health needs. For instance, a type 2 diabetic who is overweight and insulin-resistant
may need to have a different carbohydrate-protein balance than a thin type 1 diabetic in danger of kidney disease.
If one of these approaches works in controlling glucose levels, there is no reason to choose another.
Each of them can be effective, but because regulating diabetes is an individual situation, everyone
with this condition should get help from a dietary professional in selecting the best method.
The Goals For Every Diabetic Diet Should Be To:
• Achieve near normal blood glucose levels. People with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who
are on insulin or oral medication must coordinate calorie intake with medication or insulin administration,
exercise, and other variables to control blood glucose levels.
• Protect the heart and aim for healthy lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels and control
of blood pressure.
• Achieve a reasonable weight. Overweight type 2 diabetics who are not taking medication should aim
for a diet that controls both weight and glucose. A reasonable weight is usually defined as what is achievable
and sustainable, rather than one that is culturally defined as desirable or ideal. Children, pregnant women,
and people recovering from illness should be sure to maintain adequate calories for health.
• Manage or prevent complications of diabetes. People with diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, are at
risk for a number of medical complications, including heart and kidney disease. Dietary requirements for
diabetes must take these disorders into consideration.
• Promote overall good health.
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