Eating Out With Diabetes: Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts

Tips for Dining Out With Diabetes

Tips to Lower Salt Intake When Dining Out

Eating less salt can substantially reduce the risk of health problems associated with high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke -- a cause of death for more than 2 out of every 3 people with diabetes.

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The 2005 dietary food guidelines suggest decreasing daily salt intake to about a teaspoon a day. Here are some guidelines to follow to help you keep your salt (sodium) intake down when eating out:

Appetizers

Select fresh fruit or vegetables.

Avoid soups and broths.

Stay away from bread and rolls with salty, buttery crusts.

Salads

Select fresh fruits and vegetables.

Avoid pickles, canned or marinated vegetables, cured meats, seasoned croutons, cheeses, salted seeds.

Order salad dressings on the side and use small amounts of them.

Main courses

Select plain foods including broiled, grilled, or roasted meat, poultry, fish, or shellfish.

Select plain vegetables, potatoes, and noodles.

Ask the server about the low-salt menu choices and ask how the food is prepared.

Request food to be cooked without salt or monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Avoid restaurants that do not allow for special food preparation (such as buffet-style restaurants or diners).

Avoid casseroles, mixed dishes, gravies, and sauces.

At fast food restaurants, skip the special sauces, condiments, and cheese.

Avoid salted condiments and garnishes such as olives and pickles.

Desserts

Select fresh fruits, ices, sherbet, gelatin, and plain cakes.

Controlling Portion Size at Restaurants

Servings at many restaurants are often big enough to provide lunch for two days. When eating out:

Ask for half or smaller portions.

Eyeball your appropriate portion, set the rest aside, and ask for a doggie bag right away.

If you have dessert, share.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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