Diabetes

It is important to achieve and maintain good blood sugar control to minimise health risks with diabetes.

To help you do this it is advised that the person with diabetes has;

a)       a well balanced diet (please see healthy eating section)

b)       a high fibre, low fat, low sugar diet

c)       a body weight within normal levels (please see weight reducing section) or tries to lose weight if overweight

What if the person takes Insulin?

Then discuss with a dietitian or diabetes health professional how to quantify the carbohydrate intake in relation to the insulin dose.

What if the person takes medication for diabetes?

Then discuss with your dietitian, doctor, pharmacist or diabetes health professional how the medication should be taken.  It is important to follow a balanced diet.

Glycaemic Index foods

You may hear this term used.  It relates to the relationship of carbohydrate foods and the level of blood sugar obtained from that food.

These foods do not raise the blood sugar quickly and therefore help to balance glucose levels throughout the day.  More information on these foods can be obtained from the dietetic department or the leaflet Diet and Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

When might someone with diabetes need to see a dietitian?

Referral to a dietitian should be considered when an individual is–

1)       Newly diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes

2)       Planning pregnancy or pregnant

3)       Has Renal impairment

4)       Undertaking excessive exercise

5)       Struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder

6)       On Insulin pump treatment

7)       Using basal bolus and not seen a dietitian before.

If you are experiencing problems or wish to discuss management of your diabetes please ask your GP or Consultant to refer you to the dietetic department

For a leaflet ‘Eating with Diabetes’ Getting Started please click below

D2 06 Eating with Diabetes Getting started

For the leaflet ‘Diet and Impaired Glucose Tolerance’ please click below

D21 03 Diet and Impaired Glucose Tolerance