Significance

• The Diabetic Food Pyramid is divided into six separate groups. Each food groups is based on the carbohydrate and sugar content of the food. The largest groups on this pyramid are grains, beans and starchy vegetables. The next tier on the pyramid is vegetables and fruits. The other categories are meat and other proteins and the milk and dairy category. The smallest category is fats, sweets and alcohol. This is the last group and the one you should eat the least of. It is the most harmful to diabetics. The groups vary in size and serving portions.
  
  

Function

• The pyramid is devised to help you learn what to eat and how much to eat. It helps you learn to eat to keep your blood glucose level in the right range. The Diabetic Food Pyramid recommends approximately 1,200 to 1.600 calories a day if you are a small or medium-sized women with diabetes. It gives you the number of serving of food per category needed each day depending on the size of the portion. A large man and medium-sized women would be allowed between 1,600 to 2000 calories per day. A medium or large woman and medium-sized man and large man that exercises regularly would be allowed 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day using the pyramid.
  
  

Types

• The Diabetic Food Pyramid is divided into different groups of food that you should eat each day. The largest group is starches which are bread, grains, pasta and starchy vegetables. Whole grain starches are healthier because they provide vitamins and fiber. One serving is one slice of bread, a small potato, or 1/2 cup of cooked cereal. The vegetable group is made up of broccoli, lettuce, spinach and other choices. One serving is 1/2 cup of cooked carrots or spinach. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are low in fat and calories. Fruits provide fiber, minerals and vitamins. They are made up of apples, strawberries, oranges and other fruits. One serving is a small apple, or 1/2 cup of strawberries. The milk or dairy group provides calcium, carbohydrates and vitamin. Food included is low fat yogurt, milk, cheese. One serving is 1 cup of low fat yogurt or milk. The meat and meat substitute group includes beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, dried beans and peanut butter. They are sources of protein, vitamins and minerals. You should eat about 4 to 5 ounces per day. Fats, sweets and alcohol are the last and smallest group. It is advised to keep the servings small and for a special treat.
  
  

Features

• The food pyramid advises against eating fats. Saturated fats are found in meat and animals products like cheese, bacon, and butter. Whole grain starches are better than white. Eat some starch with every meal by buying whole grain breads and cereals. Try brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Great snacks are popcorn or pretzels. Eat raw and cooked vegetables without the sauces and fat like butter or oil. Try steaming vegetables for fewer calories. Low-fat salad dressings are good choices on salads. Use vinegar or lemon juice for flavor in vegetables with some herbs fresh or dried. Eat raw fruits without sugar added. Eating whole pieces of fruit has more fiber and is less filling. Eat leans cuts of meat, turkey and chicken without skin and check food labels.
  
  

Identification

• The Diabetes Food Pyramid is supported by the American Diabetes Foundation and American Dietetic Association. It is really an educational diagram that lists food groups that people can eat. It is in the shape of a pyramid or triangle. It identifies ways to control the amount or portions of food types you eat when you have to be on a diabetic diet. A small kitchen scale can assist in using the food pyramid to your advantage. The diabetes pyramid helps plan and portion your food to suit your lifestyle.