Diabetes

Treatment and Management:
Healthy Eating

Healthy eating habits are important in keeping blood sugar in the recommended range. Healthful eating can also improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lead to weight loss. Weight loss often improves overall health significantly.

Like anyone else, a person with diabetes should eat a healthful selection of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods. The Food Guide Pyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture can be helpful in planning a balanced diet.

A diabetes meal plan (pdf file) helps a person with diabetes know when to eat, how much to eat, and what to eat for meals and snacks. Many people need meal plans that are custom-built by a dietitian, who takes the person's health, schedule, and likes and dislikes into account. A diabetes meal plan can include sugar, salt, and saturated fats, but in a way that fits into the overall plan. Everyone is different, so every meal plan is different.

A diabetes meal plan usually contains about the same number of calories every day, spaced throughout the day. It is important not to skip meals or "double up" on meals.