Research shows that the risk for complications from diabetes can be decreased when blood glucose levels are maintained within a range that mimics "normal" levels. To achieve this level of control, lifestyle changes usually prescribed for people to manage diabetes include diet modifications. These changes are neither simple to understand nor easy to master. Individuals and families affected by diabetes regularly struggle with understanding complicated diet recommendations and separating them from myths and outdated advice.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes means that your blood sugar is too high. Your body changes much of the food you eat into sugar, also called glucose. Your blood carries this sugar to the cell in your body. Glucose is the major source of energy for your body. Your body needs insulin to help change glucose into energy.
Diabetes is a disease that can stop your body from making insulin or prevent it from using insulin properly. When you have diabetes, your body can't change glucose into energy. Some parts of your body cannot get enough glucose for energy. Other parts can be harmed when exposed to too much glucose. Diabetes affects all parts of the body.
Diabetes is a serious disease. When the body is exposed to high blood sugar over a long period of time there can be serious damage to blood vessels and nerves. People who have poorly controlled diabetes have a greater risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and loss of feeling in their feet and legs.
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. People with type 1 diabetes don't make insulin and must take insulin shots. Type 1 diabetes is usually seen in children, but sometimes appears in adults. People with type 2 diabetes either don't make enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin that they do make. Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight and inactive. Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar by eating healthy foods and being physically active every day. Others may need pills or insulin or both.
Signs and Symptoms
- Being very thirsty
- Urinating often
- Feeling very hungry
- Feeling tired
- Losing weight without trying
- Having cuts or sores that heal slowly
- Having dry, itchy skin
- Loss of feeling or tingling in the feet or toes
- Having blurry vision
Are you at risk? Visit the for more information.
Facsheets
Resources
- Website includes diabetes basics, living with diabetes, food and fitness, diabetes news and research, how to help, community events, recipes, Diabetes Forecast publication, and you're your questions online.
- A professional association dedicated to promoting the expertise of the diabetes educator, ensuring the delivery of quality diabetes self-management training to the patient and contributing to the future direction of the profession.
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion for Diabetes.
Recipes
- Bran Muffin, Breakfast Apple Pie, Breakfast Danish, Fruit Smoothies, Fruit Sundaes, Homestyle Cheese Muffin, Instant Oatmeal, Parmesan-chive Biscuit, Pumpkin-herb Biscuits, Sunny Morning Burrito
- 10 Minute Veggie Soup, Apple Slaw, Bean and Corn Salad, Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad, Bulgur Chickpea Salad, Carrot Apple Raisin Salad, Cole Slaw, Corn Chowder, Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup, Dale's Salad Dressing, Four Bean Salad, Hearty Vegetable Bean Soup, Orange Almond Salad, Quick and Easy Tomato Bisque, Robust Chicken Noodle Soup, Sausage Cabbage Soup, Spinach Salad
- Almond Crusted Fish, Baked Pork Chops, Bean and Chicken Burrito, Beef Stew, Broccoli Chicken Bake, Broccoli Chicken Frittata, Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad, Chicken Breasts with Apricot-ginger Glaze, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Stir Fry, Hummus, Lemon Steamed Fish, Mini-meatloaves with Barbecue Sauce, Ovenfried Parmesan Chicken Strips, Pork Chops with Maple-pear Sauce, Salmon Burgers, Spicy Salsa Chicken, Turkey Chili Joe, Warm Salmon Salad and Crispy Potatoes, White Bean Dip
- Apple Spice Snack Cake, Banana Pineapple Delight, Blueberry Crumb Cake, Buttermilk Chocolate Cake, Creamy Herb Dip, Cucumber Dill Spread, Fast Fruit Salad or Dessert, Fresh Fruit Tarts, Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, Fruit Punch, Herbed Vegetable Dip, New Sweet Potato Pie, Orange Poppy Seed Cake, Peach and Berry Crisp, Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread, Yogurt Fruit Dip
- Asparagus Frittata, Baked Steak Fries, Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad, Butterscotch Creme Pie, Easy Salsa, Philly Steak Quesadilla, Roasted Root Vegetables