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Diabetes-Friendly Low-Carb Diet Plan: Easy and Effective

For diabetics, a low-carb diet helps maintain stable blood glucose levels by minimizing insulin spikes. It focuses on nutrient-rich vegetables and lean proteins, which support blood sugar control and promote overall health. A smart way to manage diabetes with diet.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Flax seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Broccoli

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery

  • Tomatoes
  • Chicken breast
  • Turkey
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Feta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Butter

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The Low-carb diet plan for diabetics is tailored to help manage blood sugar levels by minimizing carbohydrate intake. This dietary strategy can be crucial in controlling glycemic response and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Foods rich in fiber and healthy fats, like avocados and olive oil, are staples in this plan, supporting overall metabolic health.

Furthermore, consistent meal timing and portion control are emphasized to maintain stable blood glucose levels. It’s a practical and effective approach for diabetics seeking to manage their condition through diet.

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Foods to eat

  • Lean Proteins: Skinless poultry, fish, and tofu which do not raise blood sugar levels.
  • Non-Starchy Vegetables: Broccoli, peppers, and zucchini that are high in nutrients and low in carbs.
  • Whole Grains: Small portions of whole grains like barley or bulgur that are absorbed more slowly.
  • Low-Carb Fruits: Berries and melons which have a lower glycemic index.
  • Nuts and Legumes: Beans, lentils, and nuts which provide fiber and help manage blood sugar.
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Eat less means eating fewer calories. This, in turn, means not overeating fat (which is high in calories) or sugars (which have calories but no nutrients), avoiding between-meal snacks, and eating smaller portions.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Sugary Treats: Cakes, candies, and ice cream which can cause blood sugar spikes.
  • White Bread and Pasta: Refined grains that can disrupt glucose levels.
  • Full-Fat Dairy Products: Cheese and whole milk that may contain saturated fats affecting heart health.
  • Fried Foods: Deep-fried snacks and dishes which are unhealthy and high in empty calories.
  • High-Sugar Breakfast Cereals: Cereals with a lot of added sugars and low in fiber.

Main benefits

The low-carb diet plan for diabetics can be instrumental in managing diabetes by minimizing blood sugar spikes and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Reducing carbs leads to a more stable glycemic environment, helping to better control diabetes symptoms. This diet also helps in reducing dependency on medications by naturally controlling blood sugar levels.

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📊 Around 12% of the US population has diabetes (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

For diabetics on a low-carb diet, focusing on the glycemic index of foods is crucial; choose low-GI, budget-friendly options like leafy greens and whole nuts. To manage blood sugar levels effectively without overspending, replace some meats with legumes like lentils, which are carb-conscious and less expensive. Planning meals around what’s on sale at the grocery store can also help you stick to both your carb targets and budget.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Low-Carb Diet Plan for Diabetics

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with a salad of avocado, kale, and walnuts, dressed in olive oil
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with a side of roasted cauliflower and a drizzle of coconut oil
  • Snack: A handful of almonds and Greek yogurt

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt topped with flax seeds and chopped pecans
  • Lunch: Turkey breast slices wrapped around cucumber and bell pepper sticks, served with olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Stir-fried broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini with diced chicken breast in coconut oil
  • Snack: Celery sticks with cottage cheese

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Omelet with mozzarella, tomatoes, and spinach
  • Lunch: Tuna salad with chopped celery, cucumber, and sunflower seeds, dressed in olive oil
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey with steamed green beans and a sprinkle of almonds
  • Snack: Chia seeds pudding made with Greek yogurt

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Cottage cheese with sliced avocado and pumpkin seeds
  • Lunch: Salad of roasted bell peppers, asparagus, and feta cheese, topped with walnuts
  • Dinner: Baked chicken with a mix of sautéed kale and mushrooms in butter
  • Snack: A handful of pecans

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs with a side of sautéed spinach and mozzarella cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled salmon over a bed of mixed greens (spinach, kale, and arugula) with olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Zucchini noodles topped with turkey meatballs and tomato sauce
  • Snack: Flax seeds and Greek yogurt

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Frittata with bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese
  • Lunch: Chicken salad with avocado, cucumber, and sunflower seeds
  • Dinner: Grilled tuna steak with a side of steamed broccoli and butter
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced cucumbers

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk, topped with crushed walnuts
  • Lunch: Sautéed shrimp (substituting from day's allowance) with a mix of asparagus and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Roast turkey with cauliflower mash and a drizzle of olive oil
  • Snack: Pumpkin seeds and a few slices of mozzarella

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.