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A busy restaurant façade with a waitress watching while people are sitting and eating outdoors.

Eating out

Eating out and having take-away meals are enjoyable parts of life.

Having diabetes does not stop you from sharing a meal with family and friends. If eating out is a regular part of your life, it is important to try and choose healthy options.

Don’t limit your enjoyment by thinking you have to go to a special restaurant or eat special meals, just because you have diabetes. Many restaurants and cafes serve food that fits into a healthy eating plan. Most of them are more than happy to help if you can’t find something suitable on the menu. Ask staff about the dish of your choice and how it has been cooked. You can then ask for simple changes if you need to.

Be mindful of portion sizes. Restaurants and cafés often serve large portions so only eat until you are satisfied. Consider ordering entrée size meals when available.

A dietitian can help you with individualised advice on making healthy food choices and managing diabetes when eating out.

Read more in our fact sheets:

More information and support

  • Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a dietitian.
  • Go to Dietitians Australia or call 1800 812 942 to find a dietitian near you.

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. 

Featured resources

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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