1. A healthy diet plays a key role in managing type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus). It helps to control blood sugar (blood glucose) levels, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and overall health.
2. The My Healthy Plate serves as a good guide to what a balanced meal consists of:
- ¼ plate of wholegrains
- ¼ plate of good sources of protein
- ½ plate of fruit and vegetables
3. Common misconceptions people have about diet include:
- 'Sugar-free' products are calorie-free (false)
- Taking bitter-tasting food will lower blood sugar levels (false)
- People with diabetes must not consume sugar (consult your dietitian about this)
- Switching from white rice to wholegrain rice allows a person to eat more (false)
- When having low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia), it is ok to consume sugary snacks (avoid doing this)
- People with diabetes must avoid fruit (false)
Eating a balanced diet not only helps with diabetes control, but also with weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and general health. (AI generated image)
What to put on your plate for a balanced meal
Unsure what to put on your plate for a healthy meal? Just follow this chart!
Diabetes food tips: Myths vs facts
 |
 |
|---|---|
All 'sugar-free' products are calorie-free? |
Please check labels. ‘Sugar-free’ snacks may contain carbohydrates in the form of starch that increase your blood sugar levels.
|
Bitter-tasting food will help lower blood glucose levels? |
Bitter-tasting foods will not lower blood glucose levels. Sugar rises with how much carbohydrates you eat.
|
People with diabetes should never consume sugar? |
Speak to your Dietitian about learning carbohydrate counting, and you may be able to include some sugar in your diet.
|
Switching to wholegrain rice means I can eat more rice? |
The carbohydrate content in wholegrain rice is similar to regular rice. Wholegrain rice is a healthier option because it contains more fibre.
|
It’s ok to eat my favourite sweets when I have low blood glucose? |
When you experience hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 4.0 mmol/L): Consume only 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates. Avoid sugary snacks for risk of over treating, as this may cause your blood glucose levels to rise too much.
|
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat fruit? |
People with diabetes should still eat all kinds of fruit, as they are rich sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Have 2 portions of fruit per day. Avoid fruit juices.
|
Ref: F26
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