Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes or have been living with diabetes for quite some time and have just started to make diet changes, the prospect of giving up some of the sugary and salty snacks you love might feel disheartening.
You may have heard the myth that diabetes is caused by consuming too much sugar or salt – which is entirely false! Maintaining a smart diet while living with diabetes is easier than you might think – and you can still enjoy the foods you love (just in moderation!).
A good diet is crucial for managing diabetes, alongside taking any prescribed medications, participating in an active lifestyle, and keeping your emotions in check. To help you achieve this, we answer several FAQs about diabetes and diet below:
What Foods Can I Eat With A Diabetes Diagnosis?
Although many people worry about the foods they can’t eat, living with diabetes – the good news is that you can still enjoy the sugary and salty snacks you love in smaller portions and less often than you’d like. Instead, it would be best if you focused on eating a variety of healthy foods from a mixture of all the main food groups in sensible portions. This includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and non-fat or low-fat dairy products, and choosing heart-healthy fats to cook them in, like olive or rapeseed oil and avoiding butter, lard, margarine, and cream.
Can I Seek Professional Help To Help Me Create A Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan?
Suppose you struggle to make smart food choices or generally lack the restraint to keep the foods you shouldn’t have as frequently off your plate. In that case, you could consider enlisting the services of a health professional to help you create a diabetes-friendly meal plan. You can do this by reaching out to a registered dietician with a more profound knowledge of food and nutrition and how it can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. A dietician can help people with diabetes create personalised eating plans based on an individual’s likes and needs, which have proven to improve diabetes management. On the other hand, if your health insurance doesn’t include medical nutrition therapy or your lack the funds to go private, you could consider using online resources from knowledgeable health professionals like Air Liquide Healthcare, who provide support for diabetes patients across the UK with their medical products and services.
Should I Limit My Overall Food Consumption If I Have Diabetes?
Unless your GP has otherwise advised you, there is no need to limit your overall food consumption if you have diabetes. The only thing you should be monitoring is the number of sugary/salty treats you ingest so that you can keep an eye on your glucose levels and your weight. If you’re not sure whether you should be limiting your overall food consumption, ensure that you reach out to your GP, as they will be able to advise you on how many calories you should aim to eat per day.
