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U.S. Department of
Health and Human
Services
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

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What I need to know about
Eating and Diabetes
U.S. Department of
Health and Human
Services
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

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Contents
Eating and Diabetes ........................................................... 1
Blood Glucose Levels......................................................... 2
Your Diabetes Medicines................................................... 5
Your Physical Activity Plan................................................ 6
The Diabetes Food Pyramid.............................................. 8
Starches ............................................................................. 13
Vegetables ......................................................................... 17
Fruits .................................................................................. 21
Milk.................................................................................... 25
Meat and Meat Substitutes.............................................. 29
Fats and Sweets ................................................................. 33
Alcoholic Drinks............................................................... 37
Your Meal Plan ................................................................. 38
Measuring Your Food ...................................................... 40
When You’re Sick ............................................................. 42
Where can I get more information? ............................... 44

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Eating and Diabetes
You can take good care of yourself and your diabetes
by learning
● what to eat
● how much to eat
● when to eat
Making wise food choices can help you
● feel good every day
● lose weight if you need to
● lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other
problems caused by diabetes
Healthful eating helps keep your blood glucose, also
called blood sugar, in your target range. Physical activity
and, if needed, diabetes medicines also help. The
diabetes target range is the blood glucose level suggested
by diabetes experts for good health. You can help
prevent health problems by keeping your blood glucose
levels on target.
1

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Blood Glucose Levels
What should my blood glucose levels be?
Target Blood Glucose Levels
for People with Diabetes
Before meals
70 to 130
1 to 2 hours after the
start of a meal
less than 180
Talk with your health care provider about your blood
glucose target levels and write them here:
My Target Blood Glucose Levels
Before meals
______ to ______
1 to 2 hours after the
start of a meal
less than _______
Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood
glucose on your own. Also ask your doctor for an A1C
test at least twice a year. Your A1C number gives your
average blood glucose for the past 3 months. The results
from your blood glucose checks and your A1C test will
tell you whether your diabetes care plan is working.
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How can I keep my blood glucose levels on target?
You can keep your blood glucose levels on target by
● making wise food choices
● being physically active
● taking medicines if needed
For people taking certain diabetes medicines, following a
schedule for meals, snacks, and physical activity is best.
However, some diabetes medicines allow for more
flexibility. You’ll work with your health care team to
create a diabetes plan that’s best for you.
Lunch
(Morning
snack)
(Afternoon
snack)
Breakfast
(Evening
Dinner
snack)
3

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Talk with your doctor or diabetes teacher about how
many meals and snacks to eat each day. Fill in the times
for your meals and snacks on these clocks.
Breakfast
Morning snack
Lunch
Afternoon snack
Dinner
Evening snack
4

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Document Outline

• Contents
• Eating and Diabetes
• Blood Glucose Levels
• Your Diabetes Medicines
• Your Physical Activity Plan
• The Diabetes Food Pyramid
• Starches
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Milk
• Meat and Meat Substitutes
• Fats and Sweets
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Your Meal Plan
• Measuring Your Food
• When You're Sick
• Where can I get more information?
• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

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