How Important Is What I Eat?

When you have diabetes you need to balance the food you eat with your physical activity and medicines in order to keep your blood sugar on target. This can help you feel your best, day to day.

Food gives you the energy you need to do the things you enjoy and to take care of yourself. After a meal, most foods are broken down into glucose (sugar), which passes into the bloodstream and then enters the cells where it is used for energy.

After we eat, the pancreas responds to the rise in blood sugars by producing the right amount of insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into our cells. For glucose to get into the cells, insulin must be present. When there is not enough insulin, glucose stays in the blood, causing high blood sugar levels.

Either eating too much or not enough food upsets the balance, causing high or low blood sugar levels. High blood sugars increase your chances of long-term health problems.

What Should I Eat?

If you have diabetes, it’s a good idea to work with your healthcare team to develop a meal plan that is right for you.

An individualized meal plan will help you decide what foods to eat and how much you should eat. A healthy meal plan can help manage your blood sugar and allow you to achieve your weight management goals.

Are starches and sweets off limits for people with diabetes?

No. There are no foods that are completely forbidden for people with diabetes. Carbohydrates, including foods such as bread, rice, and corn, can be part of your daily balanced meal plans. For all carbohydrate foods, including sweets, it’s how much you eat at one time that matters for blood sugar control.

Does my diet have to be boring and hard to follow?

No. These days, registered dietitians help people design their own meal plans to include their favorite foods while still meeting their specific nutritional goals. If you have trouble living with your meal plans, you should talk to a dietitian about what changes can be made.

Do I need to buy expensive diabetic foods because I have diabetes?

No. There’s no need to buy special foods for healthy eating if you have diabetes. People with diabetes can eat everyday foods that the whole family eats. However, it's important to watch your daily fat intake, carbs and portion sizes. For many people, it’s how much they eat that’s the problem. Also, try substituting sugar with a low-calorie sweetener whenever possible.