Guidelines for Nutrition and Diabetes Nutrition and Diabetes Quick Tips for Managing your Diabetes Your goal Your goal is to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. In other words, you do not want your blood sugar to go too high or too low. Your blood sugar Check your blood sugar as advised. Here are the desirable blood sugar ranges: Before meals: 90–130 1–2 hours after meals: Less than 180 At bedtime: 110–150 Your medication Always take your medication (insulin or pill), even when you are sick. Your daily routine Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Always speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you are overweight, losing weight can help with blood sugar control Source: RD411 NutritionSolutionsOnline.com If you have diabetes, it is important to eat well to help keep yourself healthy. Nutrition care is different for each person and is based on your blood glucose (sugar) level, blood lipid (fat) levels, your risk factors for heart disease and high blood pressure, and your exercise habits. For most people, general guidelines for diabetes are as follows… Aim to maintain a healthy weight Exercise moderately for about 30 minutes at least five times/week Get your carbohydrates mainly from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and low- fat or skim dairy products Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol May use sugar substitutes in moderation Do not use low-carbohydrate diets to control diabetes Nutrition Solutions Chef Prepared Meals A great educational tool for appropriate portion sizes and nutrient balance.

Nutrition for your Blood Sugars For more Information on Nutrition and Nutrition Services Contact Nutrition Solutions Nutrition Solutions ® 2104 Woodruff Rd. Greenville, SC Web: NutritionSolutionsOnline.com Your diet Follow these diet suggestions: -Choose healthy foods, such as: -Fruits -Vegetables -Fish -Lean meats -Chicken or turkey without the skin -Dry peas or beans -Whole grains -Low-fat or skim milk and cheese -Have meals and snacks at regular times every day -Eat similar amounts of foods each day -Count your carbohydrates—spread them out over the course of the day and eat them as part of a balanced meal -Do not skip meals—even distribution of carbohydrate over the day will make best use of the available insulin and prevent wide variations in blood glucose levels -Watch your portion sizes -Read food labels -Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet -Bake, broil, or grill your meat and fish -Select and prepare foods with little salt -Buy fewer processed foods -Limit your intake of simple sugars Taking a good look at your plate before you put food on it is another way to help create a healthy meal. Here’s how: Vegetables Fill one half of your plate with vegetables, at least two kinds. Vegetables are very high in nutrients and low in calories. Starchy foods Fill one quarter of your plate with starchy foods. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, or potatoes at every meal. Starchy foods are broken down into glucose, which your body needs for energy. Protein Fill one quarter of your plate with protein. Include fish, lean meats, low-fat cheeses, eggs, or vegetarian protein choices, such as beans and lentils, as part of your meal. Milk and fruit Add a glass of milk and a piece of fruit and your meal is complete! Your Plate