Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines

Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines

Dr. Emil Samir Fellowship of Family Medicine , said about most important Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines , let’s know about them.

As a general rule and under supervision from the family doctor,

depending on the patient’s body weight, the following guidelines should be observed:

It is advised to divide the meals into three main meals, as well as two or three snacks .

The timing of the main and snack meals should be appointed carefully,

so that it is suitable for the diabetic patient’s medication, its dosage and body activity.

Following a healthy daily routine helps the patient avoid the complications of diabetes, and motivate leading a better lifestyle.

That is why we always advise the patients to wake up as early as possible

and get breakfast (before 10:00 am), lunch 6 hours later (around 3:00 pm), and a light dinner (around 9:00 pm) .

Utilizing the Food Pyramid, the diet regimen should be prepared for each patient individually.

It should be reviewed every 3 – 6 months under the family doctor’s guidance – especially before times of fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan.

The following general rules should be followed when preparing meals for Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines:

First, Carbohydrates Group:

– This includes bread, rice, pasta, potato, and similar foods rich in starch.

– From 6 – 10 servings daily (distributed among all the day’s meals): a serving is about quarter of “ Balady ” bread, or 3 – 4 spoons of rice or pasta.

Second, Vegetables Group:

– From 3 – 5 servings daily: a serving is a cup of cooked leafy vegetables (e.g. “Moloukhia”, Spinach),

or half a cup of chopped vegetables (e.g. peas and carrots), or three quarters of a cup of vegetable’s juice (e.g. tomato or carrots juice).

– As for fresh vegetables, these can be consumed freely – especially green salads.

Third, Fruits Group:

– From 2 – 4 servings daily: a serving is about a medium sized fruit of apples, oranges, tangerines, or bananas; or half a cup of fresh fruit juice (without sugar).

– It is also advised to limit intake of fruits rich in glucose like sugar cane (and sugar cane juice), fig, dates and grapes.

Fourth, Dairy Products Group:

– From 2 – 3 servings daily: a serving is a cup of skimmed milk, or 2 small cups of yoghurt, or 100 grams of low fat cheese (like “Qarish” cheese).

– Generally, we advise consumption of low fat milk – especially cow milk.

Fifth, Proteins Group:

– This group includes all types of meat, lentils, beans and peas.

– From 2 – 3 servings daily: a serving is about quarter of a chicken, or 75 grams of beef meat, or a cup of beans, or 2 small eggs. – It is preferable to consume grilled and boiled meats, and to avoid fatty meats.

Sixth, Fats and Oils Group:

– As a general rule, it is advised to reduce the amounts of unsaturated fats (like hydrogenated oils) as much as possible.

– Using olive oil as a healthy alternative is always welcome.

Some Foods Beneficial to Diabetics:

  • Onion: contains a substance that enhances glucose consumption inside body cells, and keeps high blood insulin concentration.
  • Garlic: dramatically reduces blood glucose levels.
  • Fenugreek seeds : facilitates glucose consumption by the body.
  • Lupine: promotes the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
  • Cabbage and Cauliflower: keeps insulin blood level high which in turn reduces blood glucose levels.

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Foods to Consume Regularly for Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines:

– Warm drinks (like anise, peppermint) without sugar – Salads and fresh vegetables

– Spices (especially cumin and paprika) – Whole nuts (mainly pistachio and unsalted peanuts).

Foods to Avoid for Diabetics Diet Regimen Guidelines:

Fatty meats and fish – Preserved meats (like Salami and Pastrami) – Cream, butter, and fatty cheese

– Hot spices and salted foods (like Herring fish) – Sweets and pies – Alcoholic drinks – Smoking.

Finally, sticking to a comprehensive and healthy diet regimen represents as much as 30% of the management of diabetes mellitus,

in addition to body activity and avoiding mood swings; for medications – no matter how potent they might be – can only represent about 70% of diabetes management.

That is why we advise diabetics to seek their family doctor’s help in preparing an individualized diet regimen suitable for their health state, for their lifestyle, and appropriate to their medication and its dosage. 


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