The preferred diet for diabetes for persons in acute and long-term care facilities is the Consistent Carbohydrate Diet. This implies that the amount of carbohydrates consumed is consistent and the time of the meals and snacks are consistent as well.
This pattern will help promote optimal blood glucose control. In most healthcare settings, acute or long-term care, meal times are consistent. The menu can be adjusted to be consistent with carbohydrates for all populations and therefore eliminate therapeutic diets.
Carbohydrate counting is based on choices or grams per meal and snack. The individual is given a carbohydrate allowance that has been individualized to their nutrition therapy and blood glucose goals.
One carbohydrate choice equals 15 grams of carbohydrate. Meal plans may vary from three to five choices (45–75 grams) of carbohydrates per meal and one to two choices (15–30 grams) of carbohydrates per snacks. Snacks are optional for many individuals with diabetes.
However, in many institutions the length of time between the evening meal and breakfast is great and most individuals need an evening snack.
Suggested Menu Plan for Consistent Carbohydrate Diet
Breakfast
5 carbohydrate choices equal to ∼75 grams carbohydrate
½ c. orange juice (1 choice) ½ c. oatmeal (1 choice) 1 slice toast (1 choice) 1 egg 1 c. fat-free milk (1 choice) 1 Tbsp. regular jelly (1 choice) 1 tsp. soft margarine coffee
Lunch
or Supper 5 carbohydrate choices equal to ∼75 grams carbohydrate
2 oz. roasted chicken breast ½ c. mashed potatoes/gravy (1 choice) ½ c. mixed vegetables (without corn or peas) 1 dinner roll (1 choice) 2 tsp. soft margarine 2 x 2 brownie/frosting (2 choices) 1 c. fat-free milk (1 choice) coffee
Dinner
5 carbohydrate choices equal to ∼75 grams carbohydrate
Tuna salad sandwich with 2 slices bread (2 choices) 1 cup tomato soup with 2 crackers (1 choice) ½ c. fruit cocktail (1 choice) 1 c. fat-free milk (1 choice) coffee
Snack
1–2 carbohydrate choices equal to 15–30 grams carbohydrate
½ c. carrots ½ c. cubed cantaloupe ( ½ choice) 3 cups popcorn (1 choice)
Source of Consistent Carbohydrate Diet for Diabetes
: Simplified Diet Manual, Eleventh Edition.
Edited by Andrea K. Maher.
