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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What foods are good for people living with type 2 diabetes?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Type 2 Diabetes
    • 2 answers
    • Peta Tauchmann
    • Chris Fonda
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  • Peta Tauchmann

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator, Registered Nurse

    I have a special interest in Type 1 Diabetes, optimising insulin therapy and Insulin pump therapy. I focus on the private sector including private clinics and consulting roles.   My … View Profile

    Hi,

    The most common question asked by my clients is “what can I eat”.  Food is such an important part of our lives- both socially and from a health perspective so it's no wonder people worry about what they should eat when they have diabetes. There are so many confusing food messages given to us and eating well can be very confusing.  Australians generally eat good food- but we tend to overeat. Portion sizes need to be considered in relation to your energy needs. Quantity is just as important as Quality! 

    Generally speaking people with diabetes can eat the same foods that other healthy people eat.  There are no special foods required or expensive supplements to be healthy.  The key thing for diabetes (and for good health) is balance- eat a variety of healthy whole foods, and eat these in moderation.  Choose low fat foods that are high in fibre and low in calories.  Make sure you include servings of cereals (rice, pasta, bread and breakfast cereal), vegetables, fruit, dairy and protein in your daily diet.  Foods which are higher in fibre are easier for the body to digest when you have diabetes, and help cholesterol management too.  Limit your intake of processsed foods with added sugar and salt. 

    Consulting an Accredited Practising Dietician or Credentialled DIabetes Educator can help you to understand your individual requirements.  It is a good idea to seek their support when you are first diagnosed and again once each year- just to help you stay up to date and on track with your personal health goals. 

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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    In addition to Peta's response above, people with type 2 diabetes will benefit from a consultation with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who can help them understand the relationship between carbohydrates and blood sugar levels. APDs can also provide patients with type 2 diabetes with the tools they need to make healthy food choices incorporating carbohydrate counting/exchanges if need be and how to read food labels to make sure you are getting the right amount of carbohydrates in each meal.

    The important message here is that a person with diabetes (type 1 or 2) can still eat carbohydrate containing foods, they just need to watch their portions and make sure they have an even spread throughout the day.

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