-----DIABETES DIET ---- 60 : 20 : 20 --- Carbs : Fats : Proteins -----

Diabetes diet for Indians should have the ratio of 60:20:20 for carbs, fats and proteins.
"Per day calorie intake should be between 1,500-1,800 calories with a proportion of 60:20:20 between carbohydrates, fats and proteins, respectively."
Should "have at least two seasonal fruits and three vegetables in a diet plan."

•  Drink tomato juice with salt and pepper every morning on an empty stomach.
•  Intake of 6 almonds (soaked overnight) is also helpful in keeping a check on diabetes.
•  Whole grains, oats, channa atta, millets and other high fibre foods should be included in the meals. 
• Milk is the right combination of carbohydrates and proteins and helps control blood sugar levels. Two servings of milk in a daily diet is a good option.
• High fibre vegetables such as peas, beans, broccoli and spinach /leafy vegetables should be included in one's diet. 
• Pulses are important in the diet as their effect on blood glucose is less than that of most other carbohydrate containing foods. 
• Good fats such as Omega-3 and monounsaturated fats (MUFA) should be consumed as they are good for the body.
• Natural sources for these are canola oil, flax seed oil, fatty fish and nuts. These are also low in cholesterol and are trans fat free.
• Fruits high in fibre such as papaya, apple, orange, pear and guava should be consumed. Mangoes, bananas, and grapes contain high sugar; therefore these fruits should be consumed lesser than the others.
• Small frequent meals: A large meal gives rise to higher blood sugar in one's body, therefore it is essential to take small frequent meals to prevent both higher and very low blood sugar values and keep them constant. Small in between snacks can be dhokla, fruit, high fibre cookies, butter milk, yogurt, upma/poha with vegetables etc.                                                                                                                          A person with diabetes should follow a diet which is low in carbohydrates, high in fibre and contains adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals; and avoid fatty foods and sweets. He/she should also take frequent small meals (5 meals pattern).

•  In non-vegetarian diet, seafood and chicken can be taken rather than red meat as red meat contains higher amount of saturated fats. Also, patients with high cholesterol should avoid egg yolk and red meat.