If you have type 1 diabetes then you must take insulin shots. Type 2 diabetes has been successfully treated by diet and exercise. In some cases it has even been resolved. The number one goal is weight control, and we discuss this here.

To find your ideal weight, begin with five feet and one hundred pounds. Add five pounds for each inch over five feet for a small frame. If you have a large frame, add ten percent to that.

For a man, begin with five feet and one hundred six pounds, adding six pounds for every inch. Add ten percent for a large frame, subtract ten percent for a small frame.

Type1diabetes

You should be getting around sixteen calories per pound of body weight per day.

Type 2

You should be on a 1500 to 1800 calorie diet for diabetics to promote weight loss and then maintain that weight. If there is more weight involved you may need more calories initially, as 1600 may make you lose weight too fast. Men generally have more muscle mass and will require more calories.

Carbohydrates

Fifty percent of the daily diet should consist of carbohydrates. Substitute monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats for saturated fats to  cancel out problems with lower blood sugar levels caused by lower carbohydrates.

Here are some foods a diabetic can eat and not worry about blood sugar levels, known as free foods.

Bouillon or broth
Carbonated water or mineral water
Club soda
Coffee or tea
Diet soft drinks
Sugar free drink mixes
Sugar free tonic water
Sugar free hard candy
Sugar free jell-o
Sugar free gum
Light jam or jelly
Sugar free syrup

Since it is the carbohydrates that affect blood sugar levels, some sugar in a diet for diabetics is acceptable, but if the meal containing sugar contains more carbs then it will be a problem.

You may wish to avoid eating extra servings of bread, pasta, rice and fruit, which will make you blood sugar levels rise. Choosing your foods wisely is the main thing. Eating a piece of cake is wasting calories. You could eat more of other foods instead.

Eat smaller portions, but eat frequently throughout the day. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels steady all day long, rather than eating one big breakfast and waiting until noon to eat lunch. Have a light breakfast and a snack two to three hours later, and so forth. You will feel less hungry throughout the day.

There are plenty of websites that offer a specific diet for diabetics. Consulting with a dietician is recommended.

copyright by Wendy Livermore

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