The foods you eat can affect: your diabetes management how well you feel how much energy you have. Choosing healthy foods and being active will help you manage your blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy weight. Find out more about food and healthy eating in the topics below Healthy cooking By making a few changes to your recipes, you can make them healthier. Find out more Healthy eating You do not need to buy special food or cook separate meals. The whole family can eat the same healthy food. Find out more Between-meal snacks Snacking can be part of your healthy eating Find out more Eating out If you eat out regularly, it is important to try and choose healthy options. Find out more Glycaemic index The glycaemic index (GI) ranks how quickly or slowly carbohydrate (carb) foods affect blood glucose levels. Find out more Alcohol Most people can enjoy alcohol in moderation. But drinking too much alcohol can be harmful to your health. Find out more Related topics Coeliac disease Coeliac disease is a condition where an intolerance to gluten causes inflammation and damage to the small bowel. Find out more Diabetes and fasting There may be times when you decide to go on a fast. There is a higher risk of a hypo following fasting. Find out more Weight management A healthy weight is important for everyone. Find out more Find a dietitian There are many types of eating plans that may be suitable for people with diabetes. One size does not fit all. Talk to a dietitian to develop an eating plan that meets your food preferences and nutritional needs. A dietitian can also advise you about serving sizes and snacks. Dietitians are accessible and are usually based in many local hospitals, diabetes centres and community health centres. Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a dietitian. Find a dietitian near you Call Dietitians Australia on 1800 812 942 or you can find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) on their website. Go to Dietitians Australia Find a health service or health professional near you Go to healthdirect to find a diabetes health service or diabetes health professional on their website. Go to Healthdirect Pregnancy Nutritional needs change leading up to and during pregnancy. A healthy eating plan is essential for the health of a mother and her baby. It’s also an important part of diabetes management. To discuss individual nutrition requirements during pregnancy, ask for a referral to a dietitian. Read more about healthy eating and staying active during pregnancy. Older people with diabetes As we get older, it can be challenging to stay nourished and maintain healthy eating habits. Our lifestyles and appetites can change and chronic conditions such as diabetes can take up our time and energy and affect our food choices. This booklet provides information about healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes. Healthy eating as you age Healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes. Download Free access to diabetes programs Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program. Carb counting Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will teach you how to recognise and count carbohydrates (carbs), to help in managing your diabetes. Go to Carb counting CarbSmart This online program will give you the confidence to make the best carbohydrate food choices. Find an online program Type 2 diabetes and me Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will help you learn the basics of living with type 2 diabetes. Go to Type 2 diabetes and me and check out the Steps to healthy eating module. Featured resources Alternative sweeteners Carbohydrate counting Carbohydrate counting: a quick guide Eating out Healthy meal ideas Healthy snacks Healthy cooking ideas Healthy food choices The glycaemic index The glycaemic index: a quick guide Understanding food labels Alcohol Alcohol and type 1 diabetes youth booklet
