The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association have developed specific dietary guidelines for people with diabetes. This article focuses on diet recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes.

See also:

• Diabetes diet - type 1
• Diabetes diet - gestational diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, your main focus needs to be on weight control. Most people with this disease are overweight.

You can improve blood sugar (glucose) levels by following a meal plan that:

• Has fewer calories
• An even amount of carbohydrates,
• Healthy monounsaturated fats instead of some carbohydrates

Examples of foods high in monounsaturated fats include peanut or almond butter, almonds, and walnuts. You can substitute these foods for carbohydrates, but keep portions small because these foods are high in calories. Learn how to read food labels to help you make better food choices.

Often, you can significantly improve control of type 2 diabetes with moderate weight loss (for example, 10 pounds) and increased physical activity (for example, 30 minutes of walking per day. Some people will need to take medicine by mouth or insulin in addition to making lifestyle changes.

CHILDREN AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Children with type 2 diabetes present special challenges. Meal plans should consider the amount of calories needed for growth. Three smaller meals and three snacks are often required to meet calorie needs.

Changes in eating habits and increased exercise help improve blood sugar control. When at parties or during holidays, your child may still eat sugary foods, but then have fewer carbohydrates during other times of that day. For example, if your child eats birthday cake, Halloween candy, or other sweets, they should NOT have the usual daily amount of potatoes, pasta, or rice. This substitution helps keep calories and carbohydrates in better balance.

MEAL PLANNING

One of the most challenging aspects of managing diabetes is meal planning. Work closely with the doctor and dietitian to design a meal plan that maintains near-normal blood sugar (glucose) levels. The meal plan should give you or your child the proper amount of calories to maintain a healthy body weight.

Having diabetes does not mean you or your child must completely give up any specific food, but it does change the kinds of foods your child should eat routinely. Choose foods that help keep glucose levels in good control. Foods should also provide enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. Regular monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) at home will help you learn how different foods effect blood sugar (glucose) level.