Diabetes : Diet (BD Medical - Diabetes Care)

Diet is very important for people with diabetes: a normal healthy diet is recommended for everybody - low in fat and sugar with plenty of starchy foods, vegetables and fruit.

• Balance your blood glucose levels.
• Keep your body weight constant.
• Lower your blood fat level.
• Improve your quality of life.
  

Special attention needs to be paid to:

Special attention needs to be paid to:

• Fat: Cut down on fat and fatty foods. Choose vegetable oils in preference to butter, lard or suet.
• Sugar: Limit the amount of sugar and sugary foods you eat, saving small amounts as a treat or for special occasions.
• Alcohol: Drink moderately and never on an empty stomach.

Simple guidelines for your everyday diet

• Eat regular meals.
• Include starchy foods at every meal, choosing high fibre versions whenever possible.
• Include more vegetables and fruit in your diet.
• Be careful not to eat too much salt on or in your food.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

There is actually no need to have special diabetic foods to balance your diet, simply enjoy the same food as the rest of the family!

Things to avoid

• Skipping or delaying meals.
• Not eating enough carbohydrates in a meal or a snack.
• Exercising without adjusting your diet and/or treatment.
• Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach: Risk of hypoglycaemia.
• Drinking or eating too many sugary foods: Risk of hyperglycaemia.
• Overindulging in sauces, cheese or fatty meats.
• Eating too much fried food or pastries.
• Eating too many sweets and too much fat: Risk of weight gain.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact your dietician. She/he will explain in more details and guide you in your choices for a healthy diet.