The diabetes food pyramid is a food educational diagram aimed at simplifying the food choices that diabetics have to make. A new version of the food pyramid was released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2005. The American Diabetics Association has commented that the diagram is useful for diabetics and can help non-diabetic people make sensible food choices that can serve to prevent further cases of the disease occurring.

The diabetic food pyramid is much like the more recognizable regular food pyramid with the primary difference being it helps diabetics avoid eating excess sugar. Because it is directed for use by those with diabetes it is fully supported by the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association.

The diabetic food pyramid is a diagrammatic representation of the types of foods a diabetic should eat. The diagram is in the shape of a pyramid divided into six sections. The sections at the bottom are biggest, indicating that these types of foods should be eaten the most. As the pyramid moves to the tip, the sections get smaller until the tip is the smallest, and indicates that these types of foods should be eaten the least.

With food labels, it all comes down to the nutrition facts. This is where you should start to get an idea of a diabetic food pyramid. It’s that list of nutrition information found on the package of foods sold in the grocery store. Reading food labels can help you make wise choices about the foods you buy. The labels will tell you what ingredients were used, the amount of calories, and other pertinent information essential to a diabetes patient.

Whole grains and some varieties of starchy food can be extremely beneficial for you. While it is never desirable to overdo the starch bit, it can be of tremendous use when consumed in moderation, as it contains the most-needed, energy-generating carbohydrates. Hence the pyramid’s base should include foods such as pasta, bread, rice and cereal. Apart from that, you could include a serving of peas, black-eyes peas, potatoes, dry beans and corn.

The largest group on the diabetic food pyramid is the grains, starchy vegetables and beans group, and is located on the very bottom of the pyramid. The smallest group is the fats, alcohol and sweets group, and is located at the top of the pyramid. The larger, lower groups require more servings per day, and the smaller, higher groups require significantly less. You should eat as very little from the fats, alcohol and sweets group as you possible can, as the foods that fit into that category are poor choices for a healthy eating plan.

Dietary glucose (sugar) is something all diabetics need to manage closely. The perception that they cannot eat sugar is not completely true but it is something that most diabetics avoid. The severity of their diabetes determines if and how much sugar they can eat from time to time. The diabetic pyramid shows those with this condition which foods to eat and in what amounts to help control blood sugar levels.