Diabetes Information on the Right Choice of Meals

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where there is increased glucose in the blood because there is not enough insulin to transport them to the cells for energy and uptake. Diabetes treatment not only includes medications and exercise but it also focuses more importantly on what you will take in to your mouth. It is very important that while at home, even when you are sick or even when you are away from home, you must be knowledgeable about your choice of food as a diabetic.

Diabetes information includes what you need to include in your meal plans. If you are a diabetic, you must plan ahead in shopping for food so that you can purchase items economically. In most instances, plain foods should be bought. Foods to avoid include those with breadings, sauces or icings, high fat content and prior frying. Many commercial prepared convenience foods such as stews, casseroles and TV dinners are difficult to evaluate for food exchanges so they should be avoided. Mixed dishes can be prepared at home where consumption can be controlled.

Most health care professionals discourage diabetes and diet with alcohol consumption. If it becomes apparent that you will drink alcoholic beverages, you should be taught how to allow small amounts of alcohol in the meal plan. Most alcoholic beverages that are not high in sucrose content can be substituted for an appropriate number of fat exchanges in the diet.

Eating away from home requires you to have good knowledge of the diabetic information on the individualized meal plans in order to recognize the correct foods and serving sizes. You should order simple, plain foods and avoid fried foods, gravies, sauces, casseroles and salad dressings. You should not hesitate to ask how foods are prepared. Most restaurants will be glad to withhold gravies and sauces, serve fruits and broiled meats and provide vegetables and salads with dressing on the side for you to add as allowed.

Work or travel may require eating in fast food restaurants that contain food with multiple meat, bread and fat exchanges, including some salad bars and low calorie and plain food. Some fast food establishments have published information regarding the energy and nutrient content of their food items including the exchange values per serving. This information is available upon request from the companies.

Moreover, there may be times when you are unable to eat normally because of illness or dental work. When this happens, it is still important that the individualized meal plan be followed as closely as possible. You should take the prescribed insulin or oral anti diabetic medications and eat as many foods in the menu as possible. Using soft foods or liquids as alternatives is acceptable, as is processing foods to a blenderized consistency when needed.

Diabetes and diet information is really needed for a diabetic patient like you. This will help you take control of the food you eat and make the right choices even you eat in places away from home. This helps you manage your condition well and prevent any complications.