A healthy eating plan has many benefits for managing your diabetes and your overall health as you get older.
As you get older, staying nourished and maintaining healthy eating habits can be challenging. Your lifestyle and appetite can change.
You may need to eat less if you are not as active, but you will still need a similar amount of nutrients, sometimes more.
A healthy eating plan also helps to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range. However, there is no such thing as a ‘diabetic’ diet.
Follow a healthy eating plan that suits your individual needs and tastes and try different meal ideas and cookbooks to find what you like.
Eating out
Eating on a budget
Eating problems
Difficulty cooking
Residential aged care
Information and resources
Foods and drinks that contain carbohydrates have the biggest effect on your blood glucose levels.
Dining out or having a take-away meal are enjoyable parts of life. Having diabetes does not stop you from sharing a meal with family and friends.
If you only eat out occasionally, the choices you make are less likely to affect your overall diabetes management. If eating out is a regular part of your life, it is important to try and choose healthy options.
Choosing healthy foods doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable and nutritious food options available.
Some ways to save on food shopping are to:
If you avoid some foods because they are hard to chew, or because you have problems with your teeth or dentures, you might be missing out on important nutrients. It is important to talk to your doctor or dentist.
If food seems to get stuck in your throat or is hard to swallow, it might be that you do not have enough saliva in your mouth. Or there may be problems with muscles or nerves in your throat. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who can help.
Cooking dinner every night can sometimes feel tedious and tiring. Try cooking with your partner, a friend or consider food delivery services.
My Aged Care government services offer help with food preparation in the home. These services can help you maintain a healthy eating plan, and can cater to special diets for health, religious and cultural reasons. They can also provide meal delivery services.
There are many reasons why food might taste different or you lose your appetite. These can be medication side effects, dental problems or other factors.
Talk to your doctor if your sense of taste or your appetite is getting in the way of you eating well and enjoying life.
If there is no underlying medical cause, you can try:
Your nutritional needs do not change just because you live in residential aged care. However, they will be taken care of for you.
You will be provided with adequate protein, energy and micronutrients in the meals served. The menu includes snacks and desserts. Your nutritional needs are documented and reviewed regularly.
Focus on choosing the foods you enjoy. You can discuss your needs with a dietitian. They can support you in making the best meal choices and a ‘back-up plan’, depending on your appetite, likes and dislikes.
A dietitian can help with working out your nutritional needs and creating a healthy eating plan.
Healthy eating as you age
Healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes.
Healthy meal ideas
Tips on making healthy and nutritious meals by choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods.
ShopSmart program
Learn how to make sense of nutrition labels, compare products and make better choices at the supermarket.
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.
