A diabetic diet involves eating carbohydrates at each meal to control blood glucose levels, prioritizing high-fiber sources like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains over those with added fats and sugars. It also includes getting protein for fullness without raising blood glucose, as well as healthy fats, while avoiding saturated fats, salt, sugar, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The diet focuses on eating regular meals from five food groups and choosing fiber-rich whole foods along with calorie-free liquids and sugar substitutes.

1. DIABETIC
DIET
Only for

2. INDICATION
• A diabetic diet is a diet that is used by people with diabetes mellitus or
high blood glucose to minimize symptoms and dangerous consequences
of the disease.

3. DIETARY GOALS
 Carbohydrates: Blood glucose is affected most by carbohydrates. And insulin dosing is
typically based on food intake, especially carbohydrates. Knowing what foods contain
carbohydrates and the amount of carbohydrates in a meal is helpful for blood glucose
control. You should aim to include carbohydrates in each meal. Carbohydrate sources
like vegetables, fruits and whole grains (high fibre) are preferred over carbohydrate
sources with added fats, sugars and salt.

4. Cont.….
 Proteins: Proteins are a necessary part of a balanced diet and can keep you from feeling
hungry. They also do not raise your blood glucose like carbohydrates. However, to
prevent weight gain, use portion control with proteins. In people with Type 2 diabetes,
protein makes insulin work faster, so it may not be a good idea to treat low blood sugar
with protein shakes or mixes.
 Fats: Fats are a necessary part of a balanced diet, especially healthy fats like olive oil and
fatty fish.

5. THE FIVE FOOD GROUPS
• Some people believe that a diabetes diagnosis means “goodbye” to good food. Not so. Having diabetes does not mean
that you can no longer enjoy good food, or that you have to give up your favorite foods.
• Living with diabetes means eating regular, healthy meals from the following five food groups:
1. Grains and starches
2. Vegetables
3. Fruits
4. Milk & alternatives
5. Meat & alternatives

6. GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY EATING
 Healthy eating for diabetes is healthy eating for the whole family.
 Enjoy having regular meals, starting with breakfast first, then lunch and dinner. Space meals no more
than 6 hours apart.
 Eat a variety of foods in each meal, including healthy fats, lean meats or proteins, whole grains and low-
fat dairy.
 Choose fibre rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains as much as possible, like brown
bread, bran cereals, whole wheat pasta and brown rice.
 Explore alternatives to meat such as lentils, beans or tofu.
 Choose calorie-free liquids such as unsweetened tea, coffee or water.
 Choose sugar substitutes.

7. ESTIMATIO
N OF FOOD
PORTIONS

8. DIETARY DON’TS
DO NOT:
 Skip meals.
 Eat heavy and fatty meals.
 Eat saturated fats such as butter, coconut oil and palm oil.
 Eat salty food.
 Choose foods that are high in sugar, such as cake, pie, doughnuts, sweetened cereal, honey, jam,
jelly, ice cream, or candy.
 Choose sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas and fruit juices.
 Add sugar to your foods.

9. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND