If you’ve just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, eating doesn’t have to be a daunting task.The great news is that having a balanced eating pattern for people living with type 1 diabetes is no different from what is recommended for everyone else.
Each person with type 1 diabetes will eat different foods depending on many factors including what they like, their cultural background, and their physical activity levels. Although it may be helpful to make some changes to your eating pattern, you don’t need to eat special foods or stop eating all the foods you enjoy.
Eating nutritious foods and being active can help you feel your best and manage your blood glucose levels. By choosing nutritious options, you can still enjoy delicious meals and snacks while taking care of your body.
We all know that a balanced eating pattern is key to a healthy lifestyle, and that’s where the five food groups come in.
If you have diabetes, planning meals that fit your dietary needs can feel like a challenge, but it’s an important lifelong skill that will help you lead an active and healthy life.
With a little bit of knowledge and practice, you can learn how to have healthy and tasty food that works for you.
Go to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating for recommended serving sizes.
Grains and cereals give you the energy to be physically active. Choose whole grains like brown rice, wholemeal bread and wraps, crackers, pasta and noodles, or whole grain cereal for the most benefits.
These colourful foods give you essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. They can be fresh, frozen or canned. Try to eat a variety of different colours each day!
Protein helps grow and repair muscle. Choose lean protein foods like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, and nuts.
This group keeps your bones strong. Pick things like reduced-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you don't eat dairy, other options like plant-based milk such as soy or almond milk with added calcium exist.
Fruits are sweet, juicy, and full of vitamins. They're great for snacks or desserts. Just remember, fresh, frozen or canned (with the juice drained) is best!
This group keeps your bones strong. Pick things like reduced-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you don't eat dairy, other options like plant-based milk such as soy or almond milk with added calcium exist.
There is no “one-size fits all” diet or meal plan for people with diabetes.
Everyday foods that are nutrient-dense and low in added sugars and unhealthy fats are recommended.
These include:
Generally, “sometimes” food are those that are high in carbohydrates (carbs), added sugars, and unhealthy fats. These should be limited as they can make blood glucose levels challenging to manage and can impact your overall health.
Including healthy fats and oils are an important part of a balanced meal. It’s important to consider both the amount and the type of fat you eat. The main types of fat found in food are saturated and unsaturated fats.
You can still enjoy fats in moderation. If you eat them in large amounts or regularly, fat can cause extra weight gain. This can increase your resistance to insulin and lead to health problems.
Use small amounts of healthy fats, such as olive or canola oils and spreads, unsalted nuts, seeds and avocado.
Limit the amount of saturated fat you eat by choosing lean meats, skinless chicken and reduced fat dairy foods.
Limit butter, ghee, cream, sour cream and coconut milk/cream.
Fibre is an important nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s health. It’s a part of some food that isn’t absorbed by the body. This means it passes through the digestive system largely intact and slows down the release of glucose from carbs into your bloodstream. Fibre helps with managing blood glucose levels.
Fibre can help slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This can help keep your blood glucose levels steady.
Certain types of fibre, such as soluble fibre, can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
High-fibre foods help you feel full for longer. This can assist with weight management.
Need an interpreter?
Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450. State your language. Wait to be connected and ask for 1800 637 700.
