Having a set diet is important for those that are suffering from diabetes. Not controlling what they eat can cause them to have high levels of sugar in their blood which can turn out to be quite hazardous for a person suffering from diabetes. There is no specific seven day diet plan that diabetics need to follow. Instead there are specific food types that need to be consumed on a regular basis. These foods can be used to make up any seven day diet that would fit an individual best. Instead of setting out a specific seven day diet plan for you, what we have done is provided you with the information on the food types that you should be consuming. Using this information one can easily devise their own diabetes diet to what ever suits them best.
Understanding Glycemic Index
The Glycemic index (GI) is used to measure how food affects the blood sugar level. Research has shown that one should be aiming for food types that have a low GI rating, ideally below 40 but definitely not above 50.
Vegetables
Vegetables have always been seen as an important food type that should be consisted in your diabetes diet plan. The great thing about vegetables is that they provide your body with a lot of fiber and energy which is always useful for the body. It helps with an individual's digestive system and helps keep blood sugar levels low. Your diabetes diet plan should at least consist of one vegetable a day, seven days a week. All vegetables are known to have a low GI rating. For example, tomatoes have a rating of 15, lettuce 10 and the list goes on. You can consume any type of vegetable as they all fall below the 40 mark.
Fruits
Fruits should be another important part of your diabetes diet plan. You should include at least one fruit a day for sever days in your diabetes diet plan. Even though fruits are known to have a higher GI rating than vegetables, they are known to be a great energy provider. The fruits that you should stick to are peaches, cherries, plums apples. These are known to have a GI rating between 20 to 35. There are certain fruits which you can eat but very occasionally as they have a higher GI rating. Some of these fruits such as watermelons and dates are known to be in the 100's. Such fruits should only be consumed once a month. Make sure your seven day diet plan takes this into consideration.
Dairy
Including dairy products in your diabetes diet plan as well ensures you are able to get a balanced diet. The great thing about dairy products such as milk and yogurt is that they also have a very low GI rating. When making your seven day diabetes diet plan, make sure you include some source of dairy products as well.
Using the information above, one can easily create their own seven day diet plan as needed.