Portion sizes are important to think about whether you have type 1 or type 2.

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you might need to lose, gain or maintain your current weight but it’s important to make healthier food choices while you’re doing this. Losing weight can help you lower your blood glucose levels, and we now know that substantial weight loss can even put some people's type 2 diabetes into remission. There are different ways of doing this like the low-carb, Mediterranean or very low-calorie diets. This is because it can help to lower your blood glucose and reduce your risk of other complications. If you have type 2 and you’re overweight, finding a way to lose weight is important as it really improves diabetes management. This is where you estimate how many carbs are in your meal and match it with how much insulin you need to take. If you have type 1 diabetes, carb counting is really important to keep your blood glucose levels steady. And you can get even more advice about eating healthily with diabetes in our interactive Learning Zone, including simple and realistic food hacks you can make.

If you or someone you know is self-isolating, find out how to eat healthily whilst staying at home. It’s important, whatever kind of diabetes you have, to see your dietitian for specific advice. If you have a different type of diabetes, like gestational, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes or MODY, some of these tips are relevant to you. We've based our tips on research involving people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We’ve focused on specific foods, to make it easier for you to put these tips into practice and to complement whatever diet you decide to follow.” - Douglas Twenefour, Specialist Dietitian and Deputy Head of Care This is why we’ve reviewed all the evidence to put these tips together. We know that not everyone agrees on what is the best diet. “Making healthier food choices is important to manage your diabetes and to reduce your risk of diabetes complications.

Free printable blood pressure charts