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.
If not controlled, diabetes can cause a host of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Diabetes complications include: Heart disease Stroke Kidney disease Nerve damage Eye damage Digestion problems Erectile dysfunction Skin problems Infection Dental problems
Read the Diabetes Complications article > >
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.
WebMD Medical Reference
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
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.
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 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.
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