There is no special diabetic diet, it is a normal regular diet taken in a good manner to control blood sugar levels.

Rather than a restrictive diet, a diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients with low fat and calories, which has more emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best eating plan for everyone.

People with diabetes have to take extra care to make sure that their food is balanced with insulin and oral medications (if they take them), and exercise to help manage their blood glucose levels.

Diabetes diet 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. A diabetic diet should "have at least two seasonal fruits and three vegetables in a diet plan." 

There is no perfect diet plan for diabetes so the patients with diabetes should have a diet that includes a variety of different foods in proper portions. One should focus on nutrients in the meal. In other words, pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber over those that are processed.

Everyone benefits from healthy eating so eating a diabetic meal wouldn’t cause you any harm.  Some planning in diet charts is required so that you can fit your favorite foods into your meal plan and still manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

WHAT TO EAT?

Whole grains, oats, channa atta, millets and other high fibre foods should be included in the meals. If one feels like consuming pasta or noodles, it should always be accompanied with vegetable/sprouts.

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. Also, pulses with husk and sprouts are a healthy option and should be part of the diet. 

Pulses are important in the diet as their effect on blood glucose is less than that of most other carbohydrate containing foods. Vegetables rich in fibre help lowering down the blood sugar levels and thus are healthy. 

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, flaxseed 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. 

Though dry fruits may seem like a healthy snack, it is not a good option for diabetics, as the fructose can spike your sugar level. Go for fresh fruits rather than dry fruits for diabetes control (but there are some restrictions... we'll come to it). But you can still opt for nuts as a healthy snack. 

Water: drink plenty of water approx 8-10 glasses a day. You may substitute water with other fluids like buttermilk, tea, coffee, fresh lime water, coconut water to complete your fluid intake.

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. You can have 2-3 eggs white per day.

The diabetes diet for Indians includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats. As always, a balanced and planned diet can build and improve personal health. A controlled diabetes diet may seem like a drag and bore, but a good cook can add life to a diet.

Keep the following in mind

• Limit intake of alcohol. 
• Avoid refined flour products and sugar.
• Limit intake of packed and outdoor foods.
• Do not take sugar, brown sugar, honey, jaggery, fruit juices.(if you want to include ask your dietician she able tell you when and how can in which amount you can take.)
• Artificial sweeteners can be used in cakes and sweets for diabetic people (in moderation)

Why should I avoid fasting and feasting?

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 (5/6 meals pattern). 

Diabetes Diet Pointers

1. One piece of garlic per day with one glass water on an empty stomach. You can chew or can swallow directly by cutting it into small pieces.
2. One teaspoon of methi seeds soaked overnight in 100 ml of water is very effective in controlling diabetes. 
3. Drink tomato juice with salt and pepper every morning on an empty stomach. 
4. Intake of 6 almonds (soaked overnight) is also helpful in keeping a check on diabetes. 
5. You can chew one or two tulsi leaves, in the morning or evening or during walking time

some major diabetes diet pointers that one should follow at home or at a restaurant.