What is a healthy diet?
Diet is an important part of managing your diabetesDiabetes is a life-long metabolic disease where the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes. This causes high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause damage to various organs over time if not properly managed. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes, because everyone is different. But it is important to eat foods from the five food groups: fruit, vegetables, dairy, lean meats (or vegetarian alternatives) and whole grains.
Diet is an big part of managing your diabetes. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes, because everyone is different. But it is important to eat foods from the five food groups: fruit, veggies, dairy, lean meats (or vegetarian alternatives) and whole grains.
- A healthy diet can be achieved by taking some simple steps, such as:
- Eating regular meals throughout the day to help manage portion sizes.
- Eating foods from all five food groups each day e.g. two serves of fruit and five serves of veggies
- Choosing foods low in total fat and saturated fat (lean meat and low-fat dairy products)
- Limiting foods or drinks with high amounts of added sugar and salt
- Choosing high fibre and carb foods e.g. whole grains, long-grain rice, pasta, legumes, and oats
- No more than four standard drinks per day
What will my healthcare team do?
Your GPGeneral Practitioner will play a key role in your diabetes care. Your GP may refer you to a dietitian or diabetes educator for tailored advice.
Your GP can help you to learn the principles of healthy eating and may develop a diet plan that suits your unique needs. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to know how to match your carbohydrate intake with your insulin dose.
