"This program has helped change my way of life tremendously. I had previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure, “pre- diabetes” and high cholesterol. Chronic fatigue, joint problems, and constant headaches impacted my daily living.

Since starting the program, under my physicians care, I have been able to cut my blood pressure medication in half. My most recent blood tests showed I am no longer in the pre-diabetic range and my cholesterol has been reduced significantly.

I have lost over 15 pounds and have more energy than ever. I have joined a gym and work out regularly. I feel I now have the tools necessary to live a longer, healthier life. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in bettering their health and living a longer life."

~ Sharon S.



Diabetes Meal Plan


Lifestyle Innovations Diabetic Meal Plan follows the guidelines established by the American Diabetic Association. This is a three tiered program that which encompasses carbohydrate counting, portion control, and balancing the glycemic load.

Carbohydrate Counting
  • The American Diabetic Association recommends a meal ratio of 55% carbohydrates, 20% protein and 25% fat (50:20:25).
  • Diabetics should eat approximately 45 – 60 grams of carbohydrates at each meal (1 gram of carbs = 4 calories).
    Ex. 50 grams of carbohydrates x 4 kcal = 200 calories

Portion Control and Serving Sizes
  • The amount of food recommended from each food group

Food Serving Sizes Portion
Grains1/2 Cup 1/2 baseball
Dairy & Cheese1 1/2 oz  4 die
Meat &
Alternatives		3 oz checkbook
 Glycemic Index
  • The Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in increased levels of blood sugar. Low-GI foods, slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health.



  • The Glycemic Load is the ranking of carbohydrates based on the serving size and glycemic index of the food
    Calculation: Glycemic Index times amount of carbohydrates per serving divided by a 100

    Example: Blueberry Muffin
    Glycemic Load=
    Gl 59 x Carbohydrates per serving 42.7 / 100 = 25

What is Diabetes?
Type 1 - Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes may be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental.

Type 2 - Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity.

How many people are affected by Diabetes?
There are an estimated 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. An estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed while 5.7 million are unaware they have the disease. Each day, approximately 4,384 people are diagnosed with diabetes.
Source: American Diabetic Association


How is Diabetes measured?
Diabetes is measured by glucose and Hemoglobin A1C tests.
  • Hemoglobin A1C measures the average of your blood sugar control over a 3 month span.

    • A1c(%) Mean blood sugar (mg/dl)
    6 135
    7 170
    8 205
    9 240
    10 275
    11 310
    12 345


  • Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) measures blood glucose after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.

    • Normal Borderline High
    70-110 mg/dl 111-125 mg/dl 126 or higher mg/dl


  • 2-hour Postprandial Blood Sugar measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after you eat a meal.

  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is a series of measurements taken after you drink a sweet liquid that contains glucose. This test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Abstract:
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) clinical study researched the effect of whether modest weight loss through dietary changes and increase physical activity or treatment with the oral diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage) could prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. 3234 participants were overweight and pre-diabetic and categorized into 1 of 4 groups.

Lifestyle Intervention Group: Received intense training in physical activity, diet, and behavior modification

Metformin Group: Took 850 mg of metformin twice daily and received information on diet and exercise

Placebo Group: Received placebo pill and information on diet and exercise

Results: Participants in the lifestyle intervention group reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58%. Participants in the metformin group reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 31%

Source: New England Journal of Medicine

©2009 Lifestyle Innovations | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | TEL: 1.888.366.5159