Healthy Eating is Important for Diabetes Management and Better Blood Glucose Control
Healthy eating is key to keeping blood sugars within target range but it's also one of the most difficult parts of diabetes management. Diabetes educators are available to help!
Diabetes and Nutrition
Learn how carbohydrates, proteins & fats affect your blood sugar
Healthy Food Guide
This booklet will help you make healthier eating choices
Introduction to Carbohydrate Counting
Carb counting helps people living diabetes keep blood sugars within a healthy target range
Low-Carb Ideas & Options
Sample Menu: 30-45 grams of carbohydrates
Sample Menu: 45-60 grams of carbohydrates
Healthy Snack Ideas
Diabetes Nutrition Videos
Portion Control is Key
Reading Food Labels
Meal Planning & Food Diary
Making Healthy Choices at Restaurants
Non-starchy vegetables and salad should fill ½ of your plate
Vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamins & nutrients. Choose fresh or steamed veggies. Fried vegetables don't contain high nutritional value.
Protein should fill ¼ of your plate
Good protein sources include lean meats (such as skinless chicken), fish & seafood, low-fat or fat-free cheeses, eggs, tofu and no-sugar-added peanut butter.
OK sources of protein include beef, lamb & pork.
Avoid fried chicken, sausages, cheeseburgers, pizza, regular bacon & regular cheeses.
- Protein portions should be no larger than the size of a deck of cards.
- Sauces such as barbeque, teriyaki, etc. contain carbohydrates and are also high in sugar.
Grains and starchy vegetables should fill ¼ of your plate
Whenever possible, choose higher fiber, whole-grain or whole-wheat breads & pastas. Brown rice is a healthier choice than white rice. Other good starches include old fashioned & steel cut oats, quinoa, artichoke, sweet potatoes & yams, potatoes, corn, squash and pumpkin.
OK carbs include granola bars, corn chips, pumpernickel or oat bread.
Avoid bagels, French fries, tortillas or wraps, corn bread, muffins, pancakes and couscous. Sweetened breads & pastries are not healthy and you should only eat them occasionally.
Beverages
Choose drinks that are low in sugar or sugar-free as a way to help control your blood glucose (blood sugar). Avoid orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice or boxed juices.
- Be aware that milk and all fruit juices (even 100% juice) contain carbohydrates.
Diabetes Education Opportunities at UMass Memorial
Ask your care team for a referral. For more information email cheryl.barry@umassmemorial.org or call (508) 334-3206.