Protein is necessary for a healthy diabetic meal. Protein foods help manage diabetes and are an important part of a diabetic meal plan. Foods such as fish, chicken, meat, soy products and cheese that are high in protein are called protein foods. There are also meat substitutes available. While consuming these, one should check how much fat they contain and how much carbohydrates the vegetarian proteins contain. Here are the different protein choices for people with diabetes:

1. Plant-based proteins
Proteins found in plants provide healthy fats, quality proteins, and also fiber. Sometimes the fat and carbohydrate content may vary but they are usually not high enough for people with diabetes to avoid. Plant-based protein foods are found in:

• Beans such as black beans, kidney and pinto beans
• Bean products like baked beans and refried beans
• Hummus and falafel
• Lentils like brown, yellow or green type
• Black-eyed or split peas
• Edamame
• Soy nuts
• Spreads like almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter
• Tofu and tempeh
• Meatless products (usually made of soy like chicken nuggets, beef crumbles, etc.)
• Seafood and fish

2. Fish and seafood
Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed often. Some of these fish are sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, and rainbow trout. Other fish that are good to include in a diabetic diet are catfish, cod, flounder, haddock, and halibut; shellfish would include clams, crab, lobster, scallops, shrimp and oysters.

3. Poultry
It is said that chicken, turkey and Cornish hen can be added to a diabetic meal without the skin to avoid cholesterol and saturated fat. Otherwise, poultry is a safe bet for people with diabetes as it has white lean meat.

4. Cheese and eggs
These are some of the best foods to manage diabetes. It is ideal to choose a cheese that is low in fat or even regular cheese and have it in small amounts. Cottage cheese and whole eggs are best suited for a healthy diet for managing diabetes.

5. Game meats
Buffalo, ostrich, rabbit, venison, duck, goose, or pheasant (without skin) are high sources of protein with fat which can be trimmed and the meat can be used for a diabetic meal.

6. Beef, pork, veal, and lamb
These meats are often high in saturated fats and it is best to limit the intake of such foods even though they are a great source of proteins. Processed meats like ham, bacon, and hotdogs are often higher in sodium and saturated fats and should be consumed in moderation. A person suffering from diabetes should choose the leanest option when deciding to eat these meats. The leanest option could include the following:

• Beef: Grades of beef that are trimmed of fat would include chuck, rib, rump roast, round, sirloin, cubed, flank, porterhouse, T-bone steak, and tenderloin
• Lamb: Chopped, leg, or roast
• Veal: Loin that has been chopped or roasted
• Pork: Certain bacon, center loin chops, ham, and tenderloin

Diets rich in protein for a patient with diabetes helps in weight loss and lowers carbohydrate intake. It improves blood lipid levels, insulin, and controls blood glucose. It also helps to satisfy the hunger pangs that a person with diabetes may experience as protein takes a longer time to digest. One should, however, consult their doctor for a diet plan based on their condition.