Healthy Eating
Healthy eating and an active lifestyle is important for everyone, including people with diabetes. Meals that are recommended for people with diabetes are the same as for those without diabetes.
Everyone including family and friends, can enjoy the same healthy and tasty meals together, based on the Dietary Guidelines for Australian adults.
Because diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose level is too high, many people think they need to avoid sugars and foods containing sugar. However, it is important to understand that it is not sugar in itself that causes diabetes but rather a combination of factors such as being overweight and being inactive. Sugary foods may add to weight gain and this is why it is important to limit excessive sugars in your food. Eating less fat, particularly saturated fat, is also very important for improving the control of your diabetes.
Guide to healthy eating for people with diabetes
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods including:
- Vegetables, legumes and fruits
- Cereals (including breads, rice, pasta and noodles), preferably wholegrain
- Lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives
- Milks, yoghurts, cheeses and/or alternatives
- Reduced - fat varieties should be chosen where possible
- Drink plenty of water
Take care to
- Limit saturated fat and eat only a moderate amount of total fat
- Choose foods low in salt
- Limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink
- Consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars
Prevent weight gain
Be physically active and eat according to your energy needs. One of the most important aspects of diabetes management is to maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight not only increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers, it also makes your diabetes harder to manage. Small changes in your diet can improve your diabetes control.
It is important for all people with diabetes to visit a dietitian who will give tailored advice just for you. Remember, healthy eating can be enjoyable.
More information
To find an Accredited Practicing Dietitian go to the Dietitians Association of Australia website or contact DA–Vic.
For more information, read Food Choices for People with Diabetes information sheet (PDF)
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