Diabetic Diet Chart

A diabetic diet chart is a carefully designed meal plan aimed at regulating blood sugar levels and enhancing overall health of individuals dealing with diabetes. The diet plan involves consuming meals rich in nutrients and low in fats and calories such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains which regulates the blood glucose levels throughout the day. Key factors in a diabetic diet chart are including foods rich in complex carbs such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and lean proteins like poultry, fish, and legumes as well as healthy fats obtained from nuts and seeds. It is recommended to consume fiber-rich foods as they are effective in lowering blood sugar levels and improving digestion. Along with incorporating balanced meals, it also promotes adopting healthier eating habits like controlling portion sizes, avoiding sugary foods or drinks, eating regular meals at regular times keeping in mind the medications.

7 Day Indian Diet Chart for Diabetic Patients

Food is crucial if you want to manage your blood sugar levels. Certain foods do not raise your blood sugar levels as others do. You can make a great meal by adding these foods to a diabetic diet chart.

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 1

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 1

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 1
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Stuffed Besan Cheela
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Paneer Tikka with Vegetable Salad
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Sprouts Chaat
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Multigrain Roti with Sarso ka Saag

Breakfast: Stuffed Besan Cheela

Besan has a low GI which means it does not spike your blood sugar levels. It also has a good amount of fibre and protein which can aid digestion and make you feel fuller for longer. It is a great meal to be added to a Indian diabetic diet chart. 

Lunch: Paneer Tikka with Vegetable Salad

Panner is home to good amounts of protein. It contains all the essential amino acids the body requires to help build and repair muscles. It also has a low glycemic index making it a great addition to the Indian diabetic diet chart. You can buy diabetes plans and consult a nutritionist to make a customized diet plan for you according to your requirements. 

Snacks: Sprouts Chaat

It’s loaded with protein, fibre, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent choice for diabetics. This chaat is seasoned with Indian spices and fresh vegetables, offering a tasty and blood sugar-friendly option for snacks.

Dinner: Multigrain Roti with Sarso ka Saag

Unlike refined grains, rotis made from multigrain do not spike your blood sugar levels and provide the body with a constant and slow release of energy. Saag (spinach) has fibre in it which helps to control blood sugar levels. Always make sure to include complex carbs in your diabetic diet chart. You can learn more about diabetic-friendly foods at diabetes blogs

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 2

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 2

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 2
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Sprouts Cheela
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Soyabean Curry with Multigrain Roti
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Vegetable Quinoa

Breakfast: Sprouts Cheela

Sprouts, being low in calories and high in protein and fibre, are an excellent choice for people with Diabetes. This is a great breakfast option that is light, keeps you fuller for longer, and is a great meal to add to your diabetic diet chart. 

Lunch: Soyabean Curry with Multigrain Roti

Soybean is made out of defatted soy flour, which is low fat. It is an excellent source of protein as well. Multigrain rotis should be a part of every Indian diabetic diet chart as it does not spike your blood sugar levels. Just like foods, the right diabetes products can also help better manage Diabetes. 

Snacks: Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus

Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus are a low-glycemic, fibre-rich snack that helps stabilize blood sugar and provides a mix of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Dinner: Vegetable Quinoa

Quinoa has good amounts of dietary fibre and is a great food option for people with Diabetes, as fibre-rich food it helps to control blood sugar levels. Quinoa is often suggested to people with Diabetes as an alternative to rice in their diabetic diet chart.Learn more on how to control sugar levels.

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 3

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 3

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 3
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Poha with Curd
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Brown Rice with Mix Dal and Vegetable Salad
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	A cup of green tea
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Shahi Paneer with Brown Rice

Breakfast: Poha with Curd

Poha is light and has fibre, which is beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels. Curd, on the other hand, has reasonable amounts of calcium, which is required to maintain healthy bones. It is one of the best meals to be added to a sugar patient diet chart. 

Lunch: Brown Rice with Mix Dal and Vegetable Salad

Brown rice is an excellent option for people with Diabetes. The combination of rice and dal can reduce the glycemic index of the entire meal. Also, the vegetable salad will provide you with fibre and make you feel fuller for longer.

Snack: A cup of Green tea

A cup of green tea provides antioxidants and may help improve insulin sensitivity, making it a potentially beneficial beverage for individuals with Diabetes. It can also aid in weight management and overall well-being.

Dinner: Shahi Paneer with Brown Rice

Paneer has a low glycemic index. People with Diabetes can add it to their diabetic diet chart. Ensure the shahi paneer recipes are made with less oil and low-fat ingredients.

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 4

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 4

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 4
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Quinoa Sprouts Upma with Curd
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Soybean Lentil Bhurji with Roti
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Tea with Roasted Makhanas
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Methi Paratha with Cucumber Raita

Breakfast: Quinoa Sprouts Upma with Curd

Quinoa has good amounts of fibre in it, which helps to control blood sugar levels in the body. If you are looking to add a good source of calcium to your diabetic food chart then curd is a great option. 

Lunch: Soybean Lentil Bhurji with Roti

Soybean and lentils are a great source of protein, and roti made with mixed grains are a good source of slow-releasing carbs. Foods like these have minimal to no effect on the blood sugar level, so it should be a part of a sugar patient diet chart. 

Snack: Tea with Roasted Makhanas

Makahnas is one of the best foods to increase insulin sensitivity. It can be added to your diabetic food chart. 

Dinner: Methi Paratha with Cucumber Raita

Methi is really beneficial for people with Diabetes as it helps to lower blood sugar levels. Cucumber is one of the best foods to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 5

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 5

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 5
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Ragi Dosa and Sambhar with Buttermilk
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Mix Dal and Rice with Curd and Salad
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Tea with Roasted Makhanas
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Vegetable Quinoa

Breakfast: Ragi Dosa and Sambhar with Buttermilk

Ragi should be a part of the sugar patient diet chart as it is high in fibre and an excellent alternative to white rice. It helps digestion and makes you feel fuller for longer, which reduces food cravings. 

Lunch: Mix Dal and Rice with Curd and Salad

This is a complete meal that provides you with carbs and protein. Having salad daily helps with digestion and can also help to control blood sugar levels. Add this meal to your diabetic diet chart to stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Snacks: Tea with Roasted Makhanas

Having makhana as a part of your diabetic food chart can help the body fight against oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. Makahanas are light, have very few calories, and can be added to diet charts for sugar patients. 

Dinner: Vegetable Quinoa

Quinoa is often recommended to people with Diabetes as it has a good amount of fibre. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is a great food to add to a sugar patient’s diet chart.

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 6

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 6

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 6
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Sprouts Cheela
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Soyabean Curry with Multigtrain Roti
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Roasted masala chickpeas (chana)
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Vegetable Quinoa

Breakfast: Sprouts Cheela

Cheela is made out of dal, and sprouts have a good amount of fibre. Together, they make a great meal that provides the body with many nutrients and helps control blood sugar levels. This is one of the best meals to add to the diet chart for sugar patients.

Lunch: Soyabean Curry with Multigtrain Roti

Soybean has protein, and multigrain roti provides the body with slow-releasing carbs. It is one of the best meals to be added to a diabetic food chart. 

Snacks: Roasted masala chickpeas (chana)

Roasted masala chickpeas, or masala chana, are a popular Indian snack made by roasting chickpeas with a flavorful blend of spices. They provide a burst of taste and energy without causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dinner: Vegetable Quinoa

Quinoa contains fibre and protein, which helps to lower blood sugar levels in the body. It is light and can easily be added to your diabetic food chart. 

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 7

Given below is the diabetic diet chart for day 7

Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients – Day 7
Breakfast [8:00-8:30AM]	Stuffed Besan Cheela
Lunch [2:00-2:30PM]	Paneer Tikka with Vegetable Salad
Snacks [4:00-4:30PM]	Tea with Roasted Makhanas
Dinner [8:00-8:30PM]	Sarso ka Saag with Multigrain Roti

Breakfast: Stuffed Besan Cheela

Besan cheela is high in fibre and protein content, which helps to lower the blood sugar levels in the body. It is a great breakfast option for people with diabetes and can be added to the Indian diabetic diet char Apart from this, oats are also a great option to be added to a diabetic diet chart. 

Lunch: Paneer Tikka with Vegetable Salad

Paneer has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not spike blood sugar levels. Vegetable salad has many essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetable salad is widely suggested to be added to an Indian diabetic diet chart. 

Snacks: Tea with Roasted Makhanas

Makahanas are a great snack option for people with Diabetes. It is low in calories and helps the body fight against oxidative stress. This can be added to the sugar patient diet chart easily. 

Dinner: Sarso Ka Saag with Multigrain Roti

Multigrain roti is a better option to add to your diabetic food chart than regular roti. It does not digest quickly, so it won’t raise your blood sugar levels and provide the body with a steady release of energy. Many doctors add high-fibre vegetables to an Indian diabetic diet chart. High fibre vegetable such as broccoli is also a great addition to diabetic diet chart.

Foods to eat in Diabetic Diet Chart

If you have Diabetes, then you have to be careful with what foods you choose to eat and for that you need to follow an Indian diabetic diet chart. Certain foods like leafy green veggies, brown rice, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados, nuts & seeds vastly help in maintaining the blood sugar levels, control weight and reduce risk of heart diseases. Below mentioned are some of the foods that can be added to the diabetic diet plan.

1. Non-Starchy Vegetables:

Non starchy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers or tomatoes are rich in fiber and nutrients. The fiber content helps regulate bowel movements, improves digestion by gut-healthy microbiomes, lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart diseases. 

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms

Why add them?

1. Low in carbs & calories: Non-starchy vegetables as compared to their starchy counterparts have lower carb content which makes them friendly for diabetes patients as it helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. With being low in carbs, they are also low in calories which helps in maintaining weight and control the symptoms of diabetes. 
2. Promotes fullness: Non-starchy veggies are rich in fiber which slows digestion and thus keeps one full for long. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals which helps in enhancing overall health and satiates the appetite without adding to the carb or calorie content. 

2. Whole Grains:

Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats or barley contain dietary fiber, Vitamin B and phytochemicals. The dietary fiber helps in promoting better digestion and also regulates blood glucose levels which makes them a beneficial addition to diabetic diet chart. The germ part of whole grains are also an excellent source of protein, healthy fats and Vitamin E. 

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Whole wheat products (bread, pasta, chapati)

Why add them?

1. Low GI: Whole grain foods have lower GI count which slows down the release of glucose in the body and thus do not have any alarming effect on glucose levels in the body. Consuming whole grains is beneficial in maintaining blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. 

3. Lean Proteins:

Lean proteins are an excellent food choice for diabetic individuals and for everyone else in general. Legumes, fish, chicken breast and low fat dairy products are some of the best sources of lean proteins as they lower the risk of heart diseases which is twice as much in diabetic patients and also improve glycemic index. 

• Chicken breast
• Turkey
• Fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
• Tofu
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
• Low-fat dairy (yogurt, milk, cottage cheese)

Why add them?

1. Improved blood sugar control: A diet rich in protein significantly helps in improving blood sugar levels. Protein helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

4. Healthy Fats:

Healthy fats like avocado, nuts and seeds, flaxseed oil, fatty fish substantially help in lowering bad cholesterol which reduces the risk of heart diseases. They are also equally beneficial in reducing inflammation which further helps in maintaining cardiovascular health. 

• Avocado
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)

Why add them?

1. Reduces insulin sensitivity: Having healthy fats like polyunsaturated fats helps lower blood sugar and also reduces insulin sensitivity. As the insulin control improves, blood glucose levels are also regulated which helps with diabetes.

5. Fruits:

Citrus fruits, berries or apples are some of the fruits that are exponentially helpful in diabetes because of the presence of antioxidants like Vitamin C or K, folate, potassium and manganese. The antioxidants help in preventing oxidative stress which has been linked to developing type 2 diabetes by creating an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable molecules. 

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Apples
• Oranges
• Pears
• Kiwi
• Guava
• Cherries
• Grapefruit

Why add them?

1. Low GI: Low GI fruits like oranges or apples helps in slow release of glucose into the body and thus contributes towards regulating the blood sugar levels. 
2. Low in fiber: The presence of soluble fiber in these fruits help in slow absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. They also promote healthy blood sugar and blood lipid levels which is beneficial for managing diabetes.  

6. Low-fat Dairy:

Studies have found that consumption of low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, cottage cheese or low fat yogurt from an early age helps reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Most people with diabetes also suffer with the problem of high blood pressure which can be reduced by increasing the intake of potassium, magnesium or calcium, all of which can be found in dairy products. 

• Skimmed milk
• Low-fat yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Reduced-fat cheese

Why add them?

1. Improves glucose & insulin levels: Low fat dairy products like low fat yogurt are rich in probiotics which not only enhances digestion but is also known to lower fasting glucose and insulin levels. 

7. Legumes and Beans:

The food group of legumes and beans are rich in protein and fiber which makes it incredibly beneficial for enhancing overall health and for diabetic individuals. Both protein and fiber present in beans helps in slowing down the absorption of carbs thus preventing blood sugar spikes as well as promoting fullness. 

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Why add them?

1. Low GI: Legumes and beans have low GI content which means they have less impact on blood sugar levels and thus helps with diabetes. 
2. High in fiber: The fiber content in legumes and beans are vastly helpful as they slow down the absorption of carbs into the body which leads to slow release of glucose and thus prevents blood sugar spikes. 

8. Herbs and Spices:

Herbs and spices like oregano, basil, ginger or fenugreek are deemed quite efficient at reducing the symptoms of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and controlling appetite. 

• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Fenugreek
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Basil
• Oregano

Why add them?

1. Increases insulin secretion: Herbs and spices like oregano or ginger helps with vitalising activity in the pancreas which enhances insulin secretion and also lowers blood sugar levels that suppresses craving for sweets. 
2. Reduces carb formation: They are also helpful in boosting the immune system as well as reducing the formation of carbohydrates in the body which keeps the blood glucose levels at par. You can learn in detail about Saunf water benefits.

9. Beverages:

Beverages like green tea, chamomile tea or sugar-free drinks are excellent choices for people with diabetes as they help lower blood sugar levels. The antioxidants present in them also help in relieving oxidative stress which also helps with diabetes. 

• Water (plain or infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint)
• Herbal teas (green tea, chamomile tea)
• Low-sugar or sugar-free drinks

Why add them?

1. Low sugar or carbs: Beverages such as plain water or water infused with lemon or cucumber; herbal teas are all either low in sugar content or don’t have any sugar at all. This helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and lowering the symptoms of diabetes,

Foods to avoid in Diabetic Diet chart

While it is imperative to be careful of the foods to eat, it’s equally important to list out foods to avoid. As certain foods like refined carbs or foods rich in sugar content can lead to blood sugar spikes. This escalates health concerns by increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Below mentioned are some of the foods to avoid in diabetic diet charts.

1. Refined Carbohydrates:

Refined carbs such as white bread, regular pasta or pastries are an unhealthy choice of food for diabetic people as they cause blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance. 

• White bread
• White rice
• Regular pasta
• Sugary cereals
• Pastries
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Sugary snacks

Why not add them?

1. Causes insulin resistance: Refined carbs are easily digested by the body which leads to blood sugar spikes, exerting pressure on the pancreas to secrete more insulin and thus ultimately creating insulin resistance. 

2. Sugary Beverages:

Sugary beverages such as regular soda, sweetened iced tea or energy drinks are excessively rich in carbohydrates that are rapidly absorbable and can lead to blood sugar spikes. They are also not filling and can lead to overindulgence. 

• Regular soda
• Fruit juices with added sugar
• Sweetened iced tea
• Energy drinks
• Sweetened coffee drinks

Why not add them?

1. Disturbs glucose metabolism: Sugar sweetened beverages can disturb the functioning of glucose metabolism which can further give way to long-term insulin resistance. 

3. High-Sugar Foods:

High sugar foods such as candies, chocolates, and sweetened yogurt are sworn enemies of diabetic patients. Apart from increasing the blood sugar levels, they make the body more prone to various chronic illnesses. It also causes weight gain in the body if consumed in excess amounts. 

• Candy
• Chocolates
• Ice cream
• Desserts with high sugar content
• Sweetened yogurt

Why not add them?

1. Increases insulin resistance: Excess intake of sugar leads to poor response of body to insulin which increases insulin production by pancreas. This eventually leads to break down of pancreas and rise of blood sugar levels. Meanwhile you may also find the answer to your doubt of, Is Brown sugar good for health?

4. Trans Fats and Saturated Fats:

Certain foods such as fried foods or processed snacks are rich in trans and saturated fats, both of which are extremely unhealthy for the body. They increase cholesterol levels which in turn harms cardiovascular health. 

• Fried foods
• Processed snacks (chips, crackers)
• Margarine
• Shortening
• High-fat cuts of meat (fatty beef, pork)
• Full-fat dairy products

Why not add them?

1. Affect diabetes control: Excess consumption of fat can lead to unhealthy intake of calories which can lead to weight gain. Weight gain negatively affects diabetes control and gives way to heart disease. 

5. High-Sodium Foods:

People who have Diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Therefore, it is important to avoid foods that contain too much salt, as foods that are high in sodium can increase blood pressure and cause heart disease. It can also cause water retention in the body.. You can instead make low-salt recipes at home and add them to your diet chart for Diabetes. 

• Processed meats (bacon, sausage, deli meats)
• Canned soups
• Packaged snacks (chips, pretzels)
• Pickles
• Salted nuts

Why not add them?

1. Increases risk of heart disease: High sodium foods can increase blood pressure which increases the risk of heart diseases, the chances are twice higher in diabetic patients than in average individuals. 
2. Causes water retention: Excess sodium can also lead to water retention which can be seen with swelling of feet, ankles or hands. This can give way to kidney issues and heart failure. 

6. High-Glycemic Index Foods:

High-Glycemic index foods like potatoes, white rice or cereals with added sugars increase glucose rapidly into the body. This leads to heightened blood sugar levels which increases the symptoms for diabetes and heart disease.  

• Potatoes (especially fried)
• White bread
• White rice
• Breakfast cereals with added sugar

7. Fruit Juices and Dried Fruits:

• Fruit juices without fiber
• Dried fruits with added sugar
• Raisins
• Sweetened cranberries

8. Alcoholic Beverages:

• Beer
• Sweet cocktails
• Sugary mixed drinks
• Sweet wines

9. Processed Foods with Hidden Sugars:

• Packaged sauces (barbecue sauce, ketchup)
• Ready-made meals
• Flavored yogurt
• Breakfast cereals
• Salad dressings

10. High-Fat Condiments:

• Mayonnaise
• Creamy salad dressings
• Gravy

Benefits of following a Diabetic Diet Plan

Following a diabetic diet plan can help one regulate their blood sugar levels and better control diabetes. It can also substantially help in keeping other health concerns such as weight gain, high blood pressure, risk of cardiac issues at bay. 

1. Blood Sugar Management

A diet plan structured for individuals with diabetes helps manage blood sugar levels. It often includes foods that have a limited impact on blood sugar, such as complex carbohydrates, high-fiber foods, and lean proteins. The balanced nutrition helps in preventing sugar spikes and dips leading to improved glucose metabolism.  

2. Weight Management

A diabetic diet can aid in weight control or loss, which is crucial for many individuals with diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Better weight management can in turn also prevent the risk of obesity and heart disease.

3. Heart Health

A balanced diet can contribute to heart health, which is vital as individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease. It typically involves reducing saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium while increasing the intake of heart-healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.

4. Improved Energy Levels

A well-structured diet plan can help regulate energy levels throughout the day, preventing spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can affect energy levels and mood. With the prevention of sugar spikes, the binge eating will also stop leading to a healthy weight. 

5. Reduced Risk of Complications

The diabetic diet chart is a culmination of foods rich in essential nutrients like fiber, protein vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. All of these assist in promoting a healthy heart, better digestion, boosts immunity and overall enhances health. Proper nutrition can help prevent or delay complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.

6. Better Nutrient Intake

A diabetes-specific diet emphasizes various nutrient-dense foods, ensuring individuals get essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for overall health. These nutrients promote gut health, enhance satiety, help with weight management, boosts heart and immune health. 

7. Stabilized Insulin Levels

Eating the right foods in proportions can enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to use insulin more effectively. This will help in preventing insulin resistance and facilitate better diabetes control. 

8. Improved Quality of Life

Incorporating a balanced diet into daily life encourages healthy habits, such as regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, which are essential for managing diabetes effectively.

Expert Review on Diabetic Diet Plan

Dr. Anirban Biswas is a nutritionist and he expresses with expertise that diabetes can be really hard to manage. The right nutrition, however, can help you to manage Diabetes in a better way. Different foods will impact your blood sugar levels differently. It’s always important to pick foods that won’t spike your blood sugar levels. Having a Diabetic diet chart can help you to keep track of what foods to eat and at what time, which can help you to manage your blood sugar levels in a better way. With the right determination, you can defeat Diabetes or atleast keep it under control. Check out these diabetes success stories. 

References

“Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity – NIDDK.” n.d. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed October 15, 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity.

“Diabetes Meal Planning – Diabetes Meal Planning.” n.d. CDC. Accessed October 15, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html.

“Diabetic Diet.” 2021. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticdiet.html.

FAQ’s

1. What is the best diet for a diabetic?

A well-rounded diet for a diabetic patient emphasizes consumption of a variety of meals from different food groups such as below:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oats.
• Proteins, such as lean meats, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, lentils, and tofu.

2. What foods can diabetics eat freely?

Below mentioned is the list of foods that diabetics can eat freely-

• Carbonated water.
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Coffee or tea.
• 1 cup raw cabbage.
• Hard, sugar-free candy.
• 1 cup raw cucumber.
• 2 tablespoons whipped topping.
• 1 cup raw salad greens and lettuce.

3. Can diabetics eat rice?

White rice is rich in refined carbs, however it can be made a part of healthy eating patterns. It can be supplemented with diabetic-friendly meals like lentils, beans and green leafy veggies.