7-Day Diet Plan For Diabetic Patients: Key Insights, Foods To Include & Avoid

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Published on: 10-Apr-2024

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7-Day Diet Plan For Diabetic Patients: Key Insights, Foods To Include & Avoid

7-Day Diet Plan For Diabetic Patients: Key Insights, Foods To Include & Avoid

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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for people with diabetes requires proper nutrition and physical activity, including a balanced diet for diabetic patients. Along with other benefits, following a healthy meal plan and staying active helps keep your blood glucose level within your target range 

Living with diabetes necessitates a mindful approach to diet. Proper nutrition is essential for managing blood sugar levels and crucial for overall health and well-being. To manage your blood glucose, you need to check what you eat and drink, your physical activity, and your medications, if you take any. Although making small changes in your lifestyle may be challenging at first, it can become easier with the help of your family, friends, and healthcare team. 

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of the diet of diabetic patients, exploring the foods to embrace, those to avoid, and strategies for maintaining a balanced and nourishing eating plan.  

Table Of Contents 

1. Understanding Diet Plan For Diabetics 

2. 7-Day Indian Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients 

3.  Essential Components Of A Diet For Sugar Patients 

4. Key Insights On Diet Plan For Diabetic Patients 

5. Foods To Include In Diet For Diabetics Type 1 

6. Foods To Limit Or Avoid In Diet For Diabetic Patients 

7. Dietitian’s Recommendation 

8. The Final Say  

9. FAQs  

10. References  

Understanding Diet Plan For Diabetics 

Diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively. A well-balanced diet helps manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimising the chances of complications like heart disease and nerve damage. 

AIIMS has conducted several studies focusing on the diet of diabetic patients and dietary interventions for diabetes management among Indian patients. These studies have evaluated the efficacy of traditional Indian diets, low-carbohydrate diets, and other nutritional approaches in controlling blood sugar levels and improving overall health outcomes 

IDPP is a landmark study in India that focused on preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals through lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and increased physical activity.  

7-Day Indian Diet Chart For Diabetic Patients 

 Here is a 7-day Indian diet of diabetic patients that you must look into: 

                                                          Day 1 

Breakfast 

A bowl of vegetable upma and 1 cup tea or coffee without sugar or with stevia if required  

Mid-morning snack 

A bowl of fresh seasonal fruits like apples, guavas, or pears 

Lunch  

2 chapatis, 1 bowl of vegetable soya chunks curry, dal, salad, and raita 

Tea time 

Black/green tea with roasted chana or sprouts 

Evening snack 

1 bowl of roasted makhana, paneer, and moth beans salad 

Dinner 

1 bowl of brown rice/Kodri, 1 bowl of vegetable curry, dal, and salad  


                                                  Day 2 

Breakfast 

Methi Paratha 2+ 1 tbsp green chutney 

Mid-morning snack 

1 Portion fruit (Avoid high-energy fruits. E.g.: Banana, Mango, Chiku.)  

Lunch 

1 cup rice mung curry and 1 bowl cucumber salad 

Evening  

1 cup light tea+ + Brown rice flakes poha ½ cup 

Dinner 

Wheat dosa 2 + 1 cup Bitter guard sabji  and 1 big  

1 big bowl of beetroot and radish green salad  


                                                 Day 3 

Breakfast 

Vegetable Oats Upma 1 cup with 1/2 cup low-fat milk 

Mid-morning snack 

1 cup Plain Yoghurt with fruits (grapes, pear and pomegranate) 

Lunch 

2 medium chappati+1 cup Kidney beans curry Snake guard sabji 1 cup 

Evening  

1 cup boiled chana+ light tea 1 cup 

Dinner 

2 Roti/ chapati+ 1/2 cup mixed veg curry and 1 cup chole chat  


                                                   Day 4 

Breakfast 

1 glass of apple smoothie with stevia (optional) 

Mid-Morning 

1 bowl of mixed fruits 

Lunch 

1 jowar roti thick with fenugreek leaves sabzi and dal 1 medium bowl 

Evening Snack 

1 cup of green tea/black coffee 

Dinner 

1 cup of eggplant and tomato curry (baingan bharta) and 

1 medium bowl of brown rice 


                                                 Day 5 

Breakfast 

1 bowl of vegetable dalia (broken wheat porridge) 

Mid-morning 

1 cup green tea 

Lunch 

1 cup of cabbage and peas curry with 1 medium quinoa rice bowl 

Evening Snack 

1 cup of cucumber slices with a sprinkle of chaat masala 

Dinner 

1 cup of mixed vegetable stir-fry 1 small whole wheat roti and 1 bowl of salad 

 

  

                                                  Day 6 

Breakfast 

1 whole wheat vegetable sandwich with green chutney 

Mid-morning 

1 glass of coconut water 

Lunch 

1 bowl of chickpeas and curd salad (30gm boiled and 100gm curd 

with veggies and spices) 

Evening Snack 

Greek yoghurt with a handful of berries or nuts 

Dinner 

2 palak paneer paratha with garlic chutney 1 tsp 

 


                                                  Day 7 

Breakfast 

1 cup of multigrain porridge with nuts and seeds 

Mid-morning 

1 glass buttermilk 

Lunch 

1 cup of spinach moong dal curry and 1 small whole wheat roti with 1 cup of cucumber and tomato raita 

Evening Snack 

1 small bowl of roasted chana 

Dinner 

1 bowl of vegetable masala oats 

Essential Components Of A Diet For Sugar Patients 

Here are the key components of the diet of diabetic patient that you must know about: 

1. Carbohydrates 

  • The diet of diabetic patients must focus on consuming complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These carbohydrates are slow digesting, leading to prevention of slow increase of blood sugar levels   

  • Monitoring portion sizes and spacing carbohydrate intake throughout the day helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. 

2. Fibre 

  • Fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are benefit people with diabetes.  

  • Fibre slows down the absorption of sugar and improves blood sugar control.  

  • Aim for a variety of high-fiber foods to promote digestive health and satiety.  

3. Protein 

  • Protein plays a crucial role in stabilising blood sugar levels and promoting feelings of fullness.  

  • Lean protein sources include poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.  

  • Intaking protein into meals and snacks helps prevent spikes in blood sugar and maintain muscle mass. 

4. Healthy Fats 

  • Healthy fats in avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish benefit heart health and blood sugar control.   

  • Limit saturated and trans fats found in processed foods, red meat, and fried items, as they may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. 

Key Insights On Diet Plan For Diabetic Patients 


Preparing a diet chart for diabetic patients requires extensive planning. Remember to follow a schedule and coordinate the timing of your medicines well with meals. Here are four crucial aspects to note while planning a diabetic diet:  

1. Follow The Plate Method  

This method ensures you consume a minimum amount of carbs while concentrating more on lean protein and non-starchy vegetables. Divide the plate into 50% non-starchy veggies (salads, broccoli, cabbage, or carrots), 25% lean protein (chicken, fish, beans, or eggs), and 25% starchy food (corn, whole grains, or fruits). Top it up with a calorie-free drink.  

2. Track Your Portion Size  

The key to proper diabetes control is monitoring portions. If your portion contains more carbs than required, your blood glucose levels will skyrocket. Having smaller meals throughout the day is better than having large portions three times a day 

3. Know The Glycemic Index  

Referred to as GI, the glycemic index is a value assigned to a foodstuff based on its ability to raise blood glucose levels. Your ideal diabetic diet chart should include low or medium GI foods to prevent spikes in blood sugar. 

Foods To Include In Diet For Diabetics Type 1  

Here is a list of food items that must be added to the diet of diabetic patients: 

Non-Starchy Vegetables 

  • Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and cucumbers are low in carbohydrates and calories while rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  

  • Incorporate a variety of colourful vegetables into meals to maximise nutritional benefits.  

 

Lean Proteins 

  • Eat more lean protein sources such as fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes.  

  • Protein helps stabilise blood sugar levels and supports muscle health without contributing excess saturated fat. 

Healthy Fats 

  • Add healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to your diet.  

  • These fats improve insulin sensitivity and protect against heart disease.  

Fruits 

  • Enjoy fruits in moderation, focusing on those with lower glycemic indexes, such as berries, cherries, apples, and citrus fruits.  

  • Pair fruits with protein or fibre-rich foods to mitigate their impact on blood sugar levels. 

Dairy 

  • Go for low-fat or non-fat dairy products like Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, and skim milk.  

  • Dairy provides essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D while keeping saturated fat intake in check. 

Foods To Limit Or Avoid In Diet For Diabetic Patients  

Here is a list of foods that must not be included in the list of diet of diabetic patients, as they are harmful to diabetics: 

Refined Carbohydrates 

Food with refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, rice, sugary cereals, and pastries is harmful and must be taken within a limit. These foods cause a sudden spike in blood sugar and offer little nutritional value.  

Sugary Beverages 

Avoid consuming sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened teas. These beverages contribute to weight gain and can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. 

Processed Foods 

Steer clear of processed foods high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Opt for whole, minimally processed foods to support better blood sugar control and overall health.  

Saturated and Trans Fats 

Limit your consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and commercially baked goods. These fats may elevate your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. 

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Focus on quality carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables, control portions, prioritise lean proteins, and include healthy fats. Stay hydrated, monitor blood sugar levels regularly, and exercise regularly. Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-fat items.     

      -Dt. Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say  

A well-balanced diet is fundamental in managing diabetes and promoting overall health. You must focus on nutrient-dense foods, controlling portion sizes, and staying physically active; individuals with diabetes can effectively manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.   

Seek advice from a healthcare professional to develop a personalised eating plan that meets individual needs and preferences. With diligence and dedication, embracing a diabetic-friendly diet has improved health and well-being for years. 

FAQs 

1. What should be included in a diet plan for diabetic patients or a diet for diabetes type 2? 

All these below-mentioned foods must be included in a diet plan for diabetic patient India: 

  • Add non-starchy vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, and green beans. 

  • Include fewer added sugars and refined grains, like white bread, rice, and pasta, with less than 2 grams of fibre per serving. 

2. What are the healthiest snack options to add to the diet of diabetes type 1? 

The healthiest snack options are unsweetened yoghurts, unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid crisps, chips, biscuits, and chocolates. Keep an eye on your portions to manage your weight. 

3. What should be included in the vegetarian diet chart for diabetic patients? 

Here are some of the best vegetarian foods to add to the diet of a diabetic patient: 

  • Lentils and lentil flour 

  • Non-Starchy veggies 

  • Green veggies 

  • Yoghurt 

  • Dry fruits and nuts 

  • Tofu 

  • Soymilk 

4. What role does healthy fat play in diabetes?  

Consuming healthy fats in diabetic patients can help reduce bad cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues, so consume nuts and seeds in your diet 

5. Can carbs be consumed if I have diabetes, or they should be avoided completely?  

Carbs are essential as they are the primary source of energy in the body, but for diabetic patients, it is vital to consume healthy carbs from whole grains, cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables rather than processed foods 

References 

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