A typical diabetes diet menu consists of carb-controlled portions that are high in fiber and do not contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you must control your sugar or face many of the complications of this disease, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular or kidney problems.

If you are overweight, you have even more of a challenge. One area that is easy to control when planning your diabetes diet menu, is portion control. This overlooked, simple strategy can really help. You will be less hungry and feel more satisfied if you choose smaller portions of a variety of foods, rather than just eating one or two kinds.

Eating more, smaller meals throughout the day is also very important. You’ll control your blood sugar better by healthy snacking or ‘grazing’ rather than eating three large meals. Your blood sugar will ’spike’ less and you’ll feel better and lose weight too.

When creating your diabetes diet menu, eat foods that don’t contribute to glycemic fluctuations, eat smaller portions more often through your day. You’ll get the benefit of a more stable blood sugar, and you’ll see weight loss as a bonus benefit.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with health. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes type 2 then I know that you have heard all about your blood glucose and how important it is to keep it normal, but you need to know what is your target blood glucose level.

You should be given a target glucose number by your doctor. If you keep your blood sugar within the target range this will keep you healthy and prevent the complications from diabetes.

Target Blood Glucose before meals should be in the range of 70 to 130.

Target Blood Glucose one to two hours after meals should be less than 180.

Once you talk to your physician about your target blood sugar then keep a record of your blood levels to see how close you stay within the target range.

Once every three months your doctor will take a blood lab that is called A1C. This test will tell the doctor the average blood sugar that you have had over the past three months. This is a test that you do not want to make a high score on because the lower the better.

Average A1C of 6% = average blood glucose of 135, 7% = 170, 8% = 205, 9% = 240, 10% = 275, 11% = 310, and 12% = 345.

What is your goal for blood pressure? High blood pressure can cause damage to the kidneys, heart and blood vessels. Your physician should give you your target blood pressure. Usually 120/70 is about average. Take your medications and start a physical activity program if you have not already done so.

Watch your numbers, keep up with blood glucose and stay within the target range, and take your blood pressure as often as prescribed by your doctor. It will take planning to manage your diabetes and diet is a large part in keeping your glucose within the target range and losing weight.

There are those who have started a diabetic meal plan and lost 20 to 30 pounds and have actually been able to stop taking some of their medications.

You have been diagnosed with diabetes or someone in your family has been diagnosed with diabetes type 2 and you are wondering how is this going to change my life. Diabetes is a disease that cannot be ignored. It will take complete participation on your part to keep this disease within control.

Medications: must be taken every day exactly as your doctor has prescribed and if you have any questions please call your doctor. Do not skip your medications without notifying your doctor’s office.

Blood Glucose: check your blood glucose level every day. Keep a notebook of your daily blood levels.

Feet: check your feet every day for cuts, scrapes and even sores. Schedule a visit with a podiatrist so he can keep your feet in great shape.

Teeth: brush and floss your teeth every day.

Physical Activity: walk or do some physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.

Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure then it would be a good idea to keep a record of your blood pressure in your notebook.

Weight: weigh yourself every day to know if you are gaining weight.

Meal Plan: know everyday what you are going to eat and keep your allowed foods in your cupboards and keep out the forbidden foods to avoid temptations.

This disease will require planning, but people do it every day and it just becomes a habit. There have been those who have tried the diabetic meal plan and have lost 20 to 30 lbs.