Diabetes Diet

Diabetes Diet

Diabetes Nutrition Basics

A healthy diabetic diet is your best strategy for blood sugar and weight control.

Your diet is a key part of your diabetes-management plan. The food you eat can help you regulate your blood sugar, maintain or move toward a healthy weight, and meet your treatment goals. Like any smart eating plan, a diabetic diet embraces a wide range of delicious fare -- lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, low-fat dairy, fish, and more. If you plan your meals right, there's even room for dessert.

Work with your dietician to create a personal plan that is manageable, helps you meet your targets, and accommodates your personal food preferences. If a registered dietician isn't part of your diabetes healthcare team, talk to your nurse-educator or doctor to recommend a nutrition specialist.

Dietary advice should be tailored to each individual, but general guidelines for diabetes management include the following recommendations: