To date, no cure for type I diabetes has been found. Insulin injections or oral medications must be used on a doctor-determined schedule. Blood sugar levels must be monitored on a regular basis by the patient.

There must be some coordination with caloric intake and medication. Otherwise, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high or dangerously low. Striving to achieve stable blood sugar levels is the goal of all dietary recommendations. The experts simply don’t agree on how that can be accomplished.

The dietary recommendations you are about to read are among those that make the most sense to me. They are healthy. They cannot hurt you. Your nutritional intake will be excellent.

You may still need to monitor your caloric intake, particularly if you gain weight or lose too much. If you have been advised by your doctor to lose weight, you may need to monitor your caloric intake in order to achieve that goal, regardless of what foods you eat.

Based on the latest research, here are my recommendations for a diabetic diet.

Cut out processed foods

Most doctors say “cut back”. In my experience, it has always been easier to avoid bringing the foods into the house completely. If you have to go out to buy an unhealthy snack, you will think twice about it. If you really want an ice cream cone, go ahead and get it. But, don’t keep it in the house.

Processed foods contain too much salt, sugar and fat. Diabetes UK has warned that diabetics should not purchase packaged foods specifically designed for their conditions, because they are expensive and are not particularly beneficial. In other words, you can buy real food, spend less money and be better nourished.

A diabetic diet should not include white bread, white potatoes or white rice. Foods that are high in starch have been shown to raise blood glucose levels as much as foods that are high in sugar.

Avoid white sugar

This is a controversial subject. Some doctors recommend using a sugar substitute, even though their safety has not been proven.

Our taste buds are adaptable. We become accustomed to eating foods that are sweeter or saltier than those that exist in nature. We can become accustomed to “not” eating those foods.

A diabetic diet should include 5-7 small meals per day, rather than two or three large meals. Large high calories meals cause spikes in blood sugar, regardless of the foods consumed.

Eat

Eat any fresh fruits and vegetables that you want. Try brown and wild rice. Eat real oatmeal for breakfast. It doesn’t really take any longer to cook than “instant”. Sweeten your cereal with blueberries, a little honey or a small amount of brown sugar.

Eat fish, seafood and chicken, baked or grilled. Drink plain water or fresh made juices.

Try some Japanese mushrooms. Some evidence indicates that they may help keep blood sugar levels stable and they are good for your cholesterol levels.

Eat beans, walnuts, olives, seeds and avocadoes. They are rich in nutrients.

If you eat something healthy every two or three hours, you will not feel hungry or deprived. Your cravings should disappear.

Just remember that a diabetic diet is not the only key to controlling the condition. Regular physical activity is an absolute must.