Diabetics can eat many of the same foods the family enjoys. With planning you can fit your favorite foods into a diabetic meal plan and still manage blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

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A Diabetic Diet

A healthy diet is a way of eating that supports your life and reduces risk of disease. Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of foods including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, poultry and fish. There is no one perfect food. Including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet.

These are the basics of healthy eating for everyone, not just diabetics. Since everyone benefits from healthy eating, the whole family can take part. Trust your doctor and/or dietitian can help you create a diabetic meal plan that is best for you. Not every diabetes meal plan has the same nutrition goals. For some, cutting calories is most important. Others may need to limit fat and salt, and eat more foods high in fiber. Work with your health care team to identify your own goals.

When you make healthy food choices, you improve your overall health and you can prevent health complications such as heart disease, some cancers, and hypertension.

Diabetic Food Facts

Sugar-free does not mean carbohydrate-free. Compare the total carbohydrate content of a sugar-free food with that of the standard product. If there is a big difference in carbohydrate content between the two foods, you may want to buy the sugar-free food.
"No sugar added" foods do not have any form of sugar added during processing or packaging, and do not contain high-sugar ingredients. But remember, they may still be high in carbohydrate, so check the label.
Fat-free foods can be higher in carbohydrate and contain almost the same calories as the foods they replace. Fat-free foods are not necessarily a better choice than the standard product, so read your labels carefully.
It's recommended that you drink 48 to 64 fl. oz. (1.5 to 2 quarts, or 1.4 to 1.9 liters) of water daily. Drinking plenty of water has plenty of advantages: it keeps your cells well hydrated; it can improve your ability to exercise longer and at a higher intensity; and it helps fill you up, which may help you manage your hunger.

Diabetes Tip #1
Walking with a friend... what could be better? Morning exercise is recommended.

Diabetes Tip #2
As a diabetic, you must always keep yourself well hydrated, and water is best.

Diabetes Tip #3
Diabetic foot complications are the number one cause of nontraumatic foot amputations in the United States.

More Diabetes Tips:

Diabetes Tip #4
Candy or toys?

Diabetes Tip #5
Feed a cold.

Diabetes Tip #6
Enjoy your exercise.

Diabetes Tip #7
Hyperglycemia?

Diabetes Tip #8
Your sweet tooth.

Diabetes Tip #9
Pre-diabetes?

Diabetes Tip #10
I hate to exercise.

Diabetes Tip #11
Still hate to exercise.

Diabetes Tip #12
Handful of nuts.

Diabetes Tip #13
Anyone can have diabetes.

Before your next visit to one of our clinics, read more about how to live with diabetes. Then, let our professionals help you get a handle on your diabetic condition.

About Diabetes
-- Type 1 Diabetes
-- Type 2 Diabetes
-- Gestational Diabetes
-- Pre-diabetes
-- Diabetes and Your Heart
-- Diabetes and Women

Diabetes and Nutrition
-- A Diabetic Diet
-- Diabetes and Dining Out
-- Diabetes and Desserts
-- Food Labels and Diabetes
-- Diabetes and Holidays

Diabetic Lifestyle
-- Diabetes and Exercise
-- Diabetes and Weight Loss

Before Diabetes Hits
-- Pre-diabetes
-- Delaying Diabetes
-- Preventing Diabetes

Living with Diabetes
-- Emergency Readiness
-- Diabetes Health Care
-- Health Care Team
-- Diabetes Resources

Diabetes in Children
-- Diabetes Management
-- Diabetic Food Schedule
-- Diabetes in Teens
-- Diabetes at School
-- Parenting a Diabetic