From the Guidelines
A diabetic diet should focus on individualized meal planning, emphasizing portion control, and including complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The goal of a diabetic diet is to control blood sugar levels through balanced nutrition.
- Emphasize portion control and include complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits, over refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
- Include protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, or beans at each meal (about 15-20% of total calories) to help with satiety and slow glucose absorption.
- Incorporate healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, in moderation to support heart health and satisfy hunger.
- Space meals evenly throughout the day, typically eating three meals with 1-2 small snacks to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Monitor carbohydrate intake using the plate method (half non-starchy vegetables, quarter protein, quarter carbohydrates) or carbohydrate counting if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Stay hydrated with water rather than sugary beverages, as recommended by recent studies 1. This approach works because complex carbohydrates digest slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes, while protein and fat help with satiety and slow glucose absorption.
- Regular meal timing prevents dangerous blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
- A variety of eating patterns, such as Mediterranean, DASH, low-fat, carbohydrate-restricted, vegetarian, and vegan, can be considered for the management of diabetes, as long as they emphasize non-starchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products, and minimize consumption of red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, refined grains, and processed and ultraprocessed foods 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
ACTOS is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The diabetic diet is mentioned as part of the treatment plan for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, to be used in conjunction with exercise and the drug pioglitazone (PO).
- The diet is an adjunct to the medication, implying it is a necessary component of the overall treatment regimen.
- The goal of the diet and exercise, in combination with the medication, is to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus 2.
From the Research
Diabetic Diet Overview
- A diabetic diet typically involves eating patterns that emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, such as legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds 3, 4.
- The focus of a diabetic diet should be on eating patterns and actual foods, rather than optimal macronutrient ratios 3.
- Certain food groups, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, have been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes 4.
Key Components of a Diabetic Diet
- Plant-based diets have been shown to be effective in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes 3.
- The type and source of carbohydrate, fat, and protein can play a major role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes 3.
- High consumption of refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages has been shown to significantly elevate the risk of incident type 2 diabetes 4.
- Elevated consumption of coffee, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and nuts are each independently associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk, glucose-intolerant individuals 4.
Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
- Combination therapy with sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone, has been shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes 5, 6, 7.
- Pioglitazone has been shown to reduce peripheral insulin resistance and improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes 6, 7.
- Metformin has also been shown to be effective in reducing glycemic control and improving insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes 6, 7.