What You Need to Know About the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet

The Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet is suggested by the American Diabetes Association for those who have a difficult time controlling their blood sugar levels. When on this diet it is important to keep track of all the food you eat because it is difficult to get the proper nutrients on this diet.

Recommended Foods

The types of foods that are recommended on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet are raw or cooked vegetables (not fried and without sauce), low-fat meats (with legumes and nuts sometimes substituted), low-fat milk and yogurt, fresh or dried fruits and fruit juice (but only one-half cup as it quickly raises blood sugar), good fats such as those from olive oil and avocados, and carbohydrates from whole grains only.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

A person on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet should avoid foods and drinks that contain refined sugars, starches not made from whole grains, such as white bread products, white rice and white pasta. Avoid alcohol because while the calories can be used for energy, when they aren't, they are changed into fat and stored as triglycerides. This can contribute to heart disease which diabetics are at an increased risk for.

Exercise

Contrary to what you might think, intense exercise on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet is not generally recommended. If you engage in daily strenuous exercise while on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet, further health complications can occur. Your body may burn more calories than it can spare. This could lead to binging, which could raise blood glucose to dangerous levels. Instead moderate exercise is recommended, such as daily walks, when on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet.

Warnings

Since the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet is so low in calories, it should not be used for long periods because it can damage the health. Also, a person should never go on the Diabetic 1000 Calorie Diet without being under the supervision of a physician. Self-diagnosing, or being on this type of low calorie diet for long periods without understanding how to get all the nutrients can cause additional health problems such as malnourishment and fluctuating blood sugar levels that can contribute to further health problems.