Diabetes
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All About A1c
The A1c blood test is a tool used to help diagnose and manage diabetes. The A1c test will measure your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months by measuring the percent of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. A higher percentage indicates a greater risk of having or developing diabetes.
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Carbohydrates and Fiber
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and foods can be high in fiber and high OR low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have the greatest influence on blood glucose (blood sugar), compared with protein or fat. Individuals with diabetes must be aware of how many carbohydrates they eat, but they don’t need to avoid or eliminate them altogether. Aim for at least 25–38 g of fiber daily.
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Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
Glycemic index you how carbohydrate foods raise blood glucose compared to either glucose alone or white bread. Research is mixed on whether or not choosing foods based on glycemic index helps control your blood sugar over time. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine if and how you should use glycemic index to manage your blood glucose.
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Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label
The U.S. FDA regulates the Nutrition Facts label on most packaged foods and beverages. This label is a tool that can help you make informed decisions and healthier food choices. Nutrient content claims may describe the amount of a nutrient in a food product or compare it to that of another food product.
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Portion Control
Choosing foods in the right portions for your health and energy needs is an important part of any healthy eating plan. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes choose nutrient-dense foods in appropriate portion sizes to help meet your blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride goals; prevent or delay diabetes complications; and achieve and maintain the body weight that is right for you.
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Diabetes Plate Method
The Diabetes Plate Method is an approach to creating a healthy eating pattern, and it may be used alone or in combination with other tools to help you meet your nutrition and health goals. Research has shown that the Diabetes Plate Method can help people with diabetes lower their A1c, which improves blood glucose management.
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Modifying Recipes for Healthier Results
Eating healthier doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite recipes. Some special recipes served only on occasion may be better left alone, like your grandmother’s special coconut cake. Recipes you make more often might be worth modifying to make them healthier and aligned with your current health goals.
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The Nutrition Facts label is a useful tool for making healthier food choices. The label makes it easier to compare products and tells you the nutritional content of the food based on a standard serving size. Our bodies need fat to survive. Fat helps regulate body temperature, protects our organs, makes hormones, and helps our body absorb essential vitamins. People with diabetes should choose foods lower in saturated and trans fat.
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The body needs sodium, but consuming too much over time can increase blood pressure. Having higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. For people with diabetes, high blood pressure can increase the risk of complications from diabetes.
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