Diabetic meal plans help the diabetic patients maintain healthy blood sugar levels and eat the appropriate amount of calories. A diabetic meal plan shows the diabetic patient which food groups from which to choose foods for each meal and snack.
The diabetic patient should establish a routine of eating meals at approximately the same time every day. When following a diabetic meal plan, portion sizes are extremely important. Eating the right foods is great, but eating too much of even healthy foods can cause blood glucose level spikes.
Food exchange lists are used to help diabetic patients follow the diabetic meal plan. The food exchange list is divided into food groups.
The diabetic patient checks the diabetic meal plan for how many servings of which food groups are needed for the meal. Then, the diabetic patient can refer to the food exchange list and select foods that fill these food group serving guidelines.
The food serving guidelines for meals are used to make meals. If a diabetic meal plan indicates the need for a meat, two breads or starches, and a fat, the diabetic patient can combine these in different ways. One way to fulfill these guidelines would be a lunchmeat sandwich with butter or mayonnaise.
Since the diabetic meal plan does not change from day to day, it is up to the diabetic patient to combine the required servings in different ways and choose different foods from the food groups to have a diet with variety.
If the diabetic patient gains weight or the blood sugar levels are not being managed by the diabetic meal plan, the dietician may make adjustments to the diabetic diet. The dietician may ask questions to see if the appropriate portion sizes are being followed. The dietician may also suggest exercises.
Another form of a diabetic meal plan only requires the diabetic patient to count the carbohydrates they consume throughout the day. The dietician gives the diabetic patient a limit to how many carbohydrates they can consume in a day. The diabetic patient only needs to stay below that limit.
