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Diabetes can be well managed with healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity and weight management.
If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you follow a healthy eating pattern based on plenty of vegetables and legumes (such as chickpeas, lentils, low-salt baked beans and kidney beans). Include some high-fibre, low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrates such as wholegrain breads and cereals and fruit, as well as some lean protein sources and reduced-fat dairy products. Reduce your intake of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars, and choose foods low in salt.
Reducing the serving size of your meals can also help you to maintain a healthy body weight and allows for better blood glucose management. It is recommended that you see a dietitian who can work with you to develop a healthy eating pattern that is just right for you.
Healthy eating and diabetes
If you have diabetes, healthy eating can help you to:
maintain general good health
better manage your blood glucose levels
achieve target blood lipid (fat) levels
maintain a healthy blood pressure
maintain a healthy body weight
prevent or slow the development of diabetes complications.
Healthy eating for people with diabetes is no different than for everyone else. You do not need to prepare separate meals or buy special foods, so relax and enjoy healthy eating with the rest of your family.