Macro Nutrients for Diabetes

A diabetic must learn to manage blood glucose levels, while eating a healthy balanced diet.

Any food that has calories, raises blood sugar. The carbohydrates get converted in up to two hours, proteins within three to four hours, and fats in six hours or more. Diabetics have almost double the risk of developing heart diseases. The dietary intake needs to be individualized based on factors such as: overweight/obesity, blood glucose levels, Cholesterol & Triglycerides, and hypertension.

There is no single 'diabetic diet'. Diabetic or not, every one should eat a balanced diet. 

The 2005 USDA food guidelines are as follows.

Carbohydrates: 55% of total daily calories
Protein: 15% of total daily calories
Fat: 30% of total daily calories.
The saturated fat should not exceed 10% of the calories
Fiber: 30 grams per day.

Proteins

There is no scientific evidence to link protein levels to diabetes. Proteins is just an essential nutrient for everyone at large. Protein restricted diet should only be considered with professionally trained physicians and dieticians.

Fats

The risk of developing heart disease is almost double for the diabetics.
Less than 10% of calories should come from saturated fats (Ghee, Butter, Whole milk, and coconut) and trans-fatty acids (hard margarines, and Vanaspati, Dalda). If you have high cholesterol (LDL), calories from saturated fats and trans fats should not exceed 7%. This reduction should be made up with added carbohydrates.
If you have high Triglycerides, limit saturated fats, trans fats, polyunsaturated fats to 10%; while increasing monounsaturated fats to 20%. For obese persons, overall decrease in fats may be more beneficial.
Select vegetable oils high in monounsaturated fats (virgin olive oil, canola oil, flax seed), and polyunsaturated fats (sunflower, rapeseed).

Carbohydrates

There is little scientific evidence to support a common belief that simple carbohydrates should be avoided and replaced with complex carbohydrates. It is true that simple carbohydrates have higher Glycemic index, than complex carbohydrates. It is total amount of carbohydrates that matters, rather than the source of the carbohydrates. A pinch of sugar (simple carbohydrate) on a bowl of Oatmeal (complex carbohydrate) does not impair blood glucose control.
Simple carbohydrates (Examples are: table sugar, confectioners sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, Jaggery, honey, Gur, and Shakkar) are basically high in calories with little or no nutrients. For weight loss simple carbohydrates should be limited as they are high in calories with few nutrients. Simple Carbohydrates should be limited as they raise sugar levels over a shorter time period.

Fiber

Fiber is an important part of complex carbohydrates. Soluble fiber reduce the absorption of glucose from intestines, but the effect is insignificant. Dietary fiber helps with colon cancer, weight loss and reduction as well as maintenance of Cholesterol. Soluble fiber is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and legumes. One should intake plenty of fluids (drink water) for soluble fiber to be beneficial.
Insoluble fiber adds to the bulk of the stool. Insoluble fiber is found in bran, whole grains and nuts, and help clean  the lower gastrointestinal tract. It is helpful in lowering LDL and total cholesterol without increasing Triglycerides.

Gluten

Persons with Diabetes Type I, and their family members have a 5% risk of developing  sensitivity to gluten. The persons should not avoid wheat, unless actually diagnosed with gluten sensitivity.

Sodium

The general guideline is to limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg/day. For persons suffering from hypertension, Sodium intake should be limited to 2,400 mg/day.

Alcohol

USDA guide line limits two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women. These will not adversely effect the blood glucose if diabetes is under control. Calories from alcohol should reduce the calories from fats and not Carbohydrates. Drinking alcohol on empty stomach should always be avoided.

Exercise

Exercise should be an important part of a diabetic. Don't exercise after meals. Preferably exercise on empty stomach. The insulin resistance may increase sugar levels if engaged in exercise after eating meals.

Distribute Calories

Distribute your calories over six small meals.

Fluid intake

Drink plenty of water . You should intake 8 cups of fluids per day.

Pregnancy

The diet for women with pre-existing diabetes and gestation diabetes should be balanced as for population at large. It should be modified based on blood glucose, urine ketones, desired weight gain, and successful outcome throughout the pregnancy.