Health

Everyone is familiar with the standard food pyramid that shows the recommended amounts of food we should eat each day. The diabetic food pyramid is much like this more well known version with the exception that it helps diabetics avoid foods that raise blood sugar levels. It has the seal of approval of the American Diabetes Association and is one of the first steps in creating a diabetic diet plan.

Dietary glucose (sugar) is something all diabetics need to manage closely. The perception that they cannot eat sugar is not completely true but it is something that most diabetics avoid. The severity of their diabetes determines if and how much sugar they can eat from time to time. The diabetic pyramid shows those with this condition which foods to eat and in what amounts to help control blood sugar levels.

Choosing the right kinds of foods is what the pyramid is all about. It gives a quick breakdown of diabetic friendly foods that help manage this disease. This is important when planning meals because it helps with serving sizes around which meals can be created.

The diabetic food pyramid is broken into six categories with the main group at the bottom. These are the foods that diabetics should eat the most of and include whole grains, starchy vegetables, and beans. These types of foods are composed of complex carbohydrates that provide an even sustained release of glucose into the blood stream.

The second rung of the pyramid consists of fruits and vegetables while the third step up is dairy products, meat, and other sources of protein. At the top of the pyramid reside the fats, oils, and refined sugars that all diabetics need to monitor closely and eat only in moderation.

The United States Department of Agriculture, which maintains both the regular and diabetic versions of the food pyramid, updated it last in 2005. While this makes it three years old it is still a good resource for those who are newly diagnosed and are trying to figure out what they can and can’t eat.

The internet is full of information about the diabetic food pyramid. The American Diabetes Association and American Dietician Association websites have the most complete and updated information about the pyramid and how to use it. The information diabetics need to successfully manage their disease with diet is readily available, and it all starts with understanding which foods to eat and which foods to avoid.