Therapeutic diet
Diabetic diet
Steady blood glucose across the day while protecting the heart and kidneys.
Type 1 diabetesType 2 diabetesPrediabetesSteroid-induced hyperglycaemia
Principles
- Consistent carbohydrate at each meal rather than large swings
- Choose slowly-digested carbohydrate: whole grains, pulses, intact fruit
- Protein and vegetables at every meal to blunt the glucose rise
- Regular meal times; avoid long gaps followed by large meals
Include
- Beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Oats, barley, brown rice, whole wheat, millet
- Non-starchy vegetables in quantity
- Eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, dairy
- Whole fruit in single portions
Avoid or limit
- Sugary drinks and fruit juice
- Large portions of refined starch eaten alone
- Sweets and cakes outside planned occasions
- Alcohol on an empty stomach if on insulin or sulfonylureas
A sample day
- BreakfastOats with milk, cinnamon, a spoon of nuts
- LunchBean stew, small portion brown rice, big salad
- SnackPlain yoghurt or a boiled egg
- DinnerGrilled fish, greens, one fist of sweet potato
Cautions
- · Insulin doses may need adjusting as carbohydrate changes — do not change both at once without advice.
- · Steroids raise glucose steeply; expect it and monitor more often.
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.