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You have just been diagnosed with diabetes, what now? Does that mean your diet has to change completely? Do you have to ban sugar from now on? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that a diabetic’s diet can be rather similar to a normal diet.

Simple carbohydrates like sugar were once strictly forbidden. But now experts are treating all carbohydrates – sugars and refined flours, as well as complex carbohydrates like rice, potatoes and cereals – as a single group in which trade-offs are possible. Carbohydrates are nutrients that come from foods like grain products, pasta, fruits and vegetables. During digestion, your body breaks down these carbohydrates into  simple sugars, which is your body’s main source of energy.

Eating carbohydrates affects our blood sugar level. For instance, if you eat a larger amount of carbohydrates at a meal,  your blood sugar level goes up considerably. Therefore, you need to find a balance between eating enough carbohydrates to get the energy your need, yet controlling your blood sugar level.

For those who have been prescribed oral medication or are using insulin, you will have to take extra care to make sure your doctor and/or dietician can help to create a meal plan that is best for you. When you make healthy food choices, you will improve your overall health and prevent complications such as heart disease, cancers and hypertension.

Managing your diabetes

1. Have regular meals that are spread evenly throughout the day.
2. Aim for foods low in fats.
3. Eat more high-fibre carbohydrate foods, like wholegrain breads and cereals, beans & lentils.
4. Include a variety of foods and watch your portion sizes.
5. Exercise regularly to manage your blood glucose levels, reduce blood fats and maintain a healthy weight.

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