Diabetes is a lack of ability of the body to effectively metabolize glucose, or sugar, in the blood. This condition causes blood sugar levels to rise to unsafe amounts. Since high blood sugar levels can cause serious diabetes complications, it is important for a diabetic patient to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range.

The bodies of people with type I diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, do not produce any or enough natural insulin to control blood sugar levels. Since they do not produce insulin, diabetes management for people with type I diabetes includes insulin injections or insulin pump therapy. People with type II diabetes and gestational diabetes often produce enough insulin, but the insulin has become less effective in regulating blood sugar levels. Type II diabetes and gestational diabetes are typically managed by following a diabetic diet.
 
Some dieticians and diabetes organization offer list of foods for diabetic to eat. The importance of eating vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats are often emphasized on a list of foods for diabetes. Whole grain bread and pasta are recommended as healthier choices than white bread or white pasta. Whole grain cereals without a lot of sugar added can also be a good source of whole grain starch.

Choosing lean meat is especially important if the person with diabetes needs to lose weight. Losing weight can make type II diabetes easier to manage. Some diabetes food lists suggest eating fruit in its natural form, but warn people with diabetes to avoid eating too much fruit and dried fruit. Canola oil and olive oil are considered the healthiest types of cooking oil.

Jams containing all fruit with no sugar added or reduced sugar are often on a diabetic food grocery list. Pretzels and 94% fat free microwave popcorn are preferred snack foods instead of potato chips for people with diabetes. A grocery list of food for diabetes may include low-fat cheese, skim or 1% milkfat milk, and nonfat yogurt as the best choices for dairy products.

A diabetic food grocery list is likely to contain several vegetables. Some food lists contain a general suggestion of eating a lot of vegetables, but some name specific vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. Nuts and seeds are considered healthy foods for diabetes. Though nuts contain a lot of fat and should be eaten in moderation, nuts contain healthy fats.

A person with gestational of type II diabetes may want to know what foods should I avoid if I am diabetic. Some foods cause blood sugar spikes that can make diabetes more difficult to manage. While fruit is healthy for most people with diabetes if eaten in moderation, fruit juice can be problematic for some diabetics.

Starchy foods that are not whole grains often cause blood sugar spikes. White bread and white pasta should be avoided, though some diabetic patients can decrease the risk of blood sugar spikes by eating protein with these foods. Candy, cakes, and other foods containing refined sugar should be avoided.

By choosing a variety of healthy food, people with diabetes can make sure they are getting the proper vitamins and minerals. Having variety in the diet can also help prevent boredom with a diabetic diet. Controlling the blood sugar levels with diet can reduce the risk of diabetes complications. In some cases, carefully following a diabetic diet can reduce the need for diabetes medication.