Diabetic Meal Planning
Are you caring for someone with diabetes? Meal planning is most likely a part of your caregiving. Healthy eating is essential in managing diabetes. Determining what to serve and when is a big responsibility.
Here are some tips that may make it easier for you:
- Provide 3-4 meals per day. Balanced meals throughout the day provide regular doses of energy.
- Serve meals at the same time each day. Our bodies use the nutrients you provide and will be ready for the next dose when expected.
- Serve about the same amount of food each day. Our body needs to know what to expect. Eating about the same amount of food on a regular basis allows medication to work correctly.
- Limit sugary items. Sugar and simple carbohydrates are digested quickly. This causes a spike or jump in blood sugar and can cause complications associated with diabetes, such as poor circulation, decreased vision, and heart disease.
- Choose Whole Grains. They provide complex carbohydrates along with multiple vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which help to maintain a healthy weight.
- Provide plenty of water. Water is an excellent way to hydrate without calories.
- Give medicine on schedule. Keeping a consistent pattern will ensure that you do not forget to give the medication.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendation for time frequency and method of testing. Keep a record of the test results to review with the medical team.
- Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and improves circulation. For some people exercise can reduce or eliminate the need for medicine if they lose extra weight.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is digested quickly and does not provide any nutrients. Alcohol causes blood sugar spikes, and the effects of alcohol can mask signs or symptoms of low or high blood sugar problems.