Nutrition |
Nutrition - Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes means that there is a problem with how your body handles sugar (glucose). This condition can be controlled by eating healthy, participating in regular exercise and taking medication as prescribed.
Make healthy food choices
- Eat a variety of foods. Choose plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk products, and lean meat and meat alternatives.
- Avoid skipping meals. Eat 3 small meals and a snack consistently and around the same time each day. Try not to go longer than 4-6 hours without eating.
- Watch your portions. Here are some guidelines to get you started, although when you meet with a dietitian, it can be customized for your specific lifestyle. Check the nutrition fact labels for appropriate serving sizes:
Men should aim for 60–75 grams of carbohydrates at each meal and snacks should consist of 15–30 grams of carbohydrates.
Women should aim for 45–60 grams of carbohydrates at each meal and snacks should consist of 15–30 grams of carbohydrates.
- Don’t DRINK your carbs. Avoid regular soda, juice, sport drinks or any beverages that contain calories/carbohydrates. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, flavored water, or artificially sweetened beverages if necessary.
Focus on carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are important! Carbohydrates are important for providing the body with the energy it needs for physical activity and proper organ function.
- Sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in grains and starches, fruits, starchy vegetables (i.e. potatoes, corn, and peas), legumes, milk and milk products (i.e. soy milk, rice milk), sweets and many beverages.
Monitor your blood sugar
- Monitor regularly. Keep a record of your blood sugars and work with your health care provider to correct levels that are too high or too low.
- Goal blood glucose (sugar).
Fasting (first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything): 80-120 mg/dL
Two hours after a meal (post-prandial): less than 140 mg/dL
Sample meals
| Breakfast:
1 egg or egg white |
Lunch:
2 slices turkey deli meat |
| Snack:
½ cup cottage cheese |
Dinner:
4 oz fish or lean meat |
Last revised July 2009, Adult Diabetes Education Program
