However, you should talk to your health care provider before starting any diet that involves extreme restriction such as a very low carb or "keto" diet. Depending on your situation, some diets may not be recommended. Saturated fats eg, in meats, cheese, ice cream can be replaced with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids eg, in fish, olive oil, nuts.

Trans fatty acid consumption should be kept as low as possible. Trans fats are banned from processed foods in the United States. Although very small amounts of trans fats are naturally present in meats, poultry and dairy products, the amount is too small for concern.

As diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol can help to reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease these risks. In general, it's a good idea to get protein from lean meats, fish eggs, beans, soy, and nuts, and to limit the amount of red meat you eat.

See "Patient education: High-fiber diet Beyond the Basics ". See "Patient education: Low-sodium diet Beyond the Basics ". If you consume sugar-sweetened beverages regularly, a beverage containing artificial sweeteners such as diet soda can be a good short-term replacement strategy.

However, the best approach is to avoid both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, and try to drink more water. This is no longer recommended, although it's important to limit sugar intake.

If you take insulin, you should calculate each pre-meal dose based upon the total number of carbohydrates in the food, which includes the sugar content. Read all nutrition labels carefully and compare with other similar products to determine which has the best balance of serving size and number of calories, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.

Some sugar-free foods, such as sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free gum, do not have a significant number of calories or carbohydrates and are considered "free foods. The American Diabetes Association ADA has a website called Diabetes Food Hub www.

org that many people find useful. The site has tools to help you manage your diabetes, including nutrition information and customizable recipes you can use in meal planning.

It can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming to figure out how to manage your diet in order to control your diabetes. But with time, practice, and support, most people are able to get used to it and make it a part of their daily life.

Is it safe to drink alcohol? People who take oral diabetes medications do not usually need to adjust their medication doses, as long as the alcohol is consumed in moderation and with food.

Alcohol may cause a slight rise in blood sugar, followed hours later by a decrease in the blood sugar level. As a result, it is important to monitor your blood sugar response to alcohol, especially if you use insulin. Your provider can help you to determine if any changes in insulin doses are needed.

Mixers, such as fruit juice or regular cola, can increase blood glucose levels and increase the number of calories consumed in a day. Also, calories from alcohol have little nutritional value and may contribute to weight gain or make it harder to lose weight.

Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. This article will be updated as needed on our website www.

Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for health care professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below. Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.

The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.

Patient education: Type 2 diabetes The Basics Patient education: Diabetes and diet The Basics Patient education: Diet and health The Basics Patient education: High-fiber diet The Basics Patient education: Carb counting for adults with diabetes The Basics Patient education: Treatment for type 2 diabetes The Basics Patient education: The ABCs of diabetes The Basics Patient education: Preparing for pregnancy when you have diabetes The Basics Patient education: Lowering your risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes The Basics.

Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.

Patient education: High blood pressure, diet, and weight Beyond the Basics Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids Beyond the Basics Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Overview Beyond the Basics Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Insulin treatment Beyond the Basics Patient education: Glucose monitoring in diabetes Beyond the Basics Patient education: Hypoglycemia low blood glucose in people with diabetes Beyond the Basics Patient education: Exercise and medical care for people with type 2 diabetes Beyond the Basics Patient education: Preventing complications from diabetes Beyond the Basics Patient education: Losing weight Beyond the Basics Patient education: Exercise Beyond the Basics Patient education: Chronic kidney disease Beyond the Basics Patient education: High-fiber diet Beyond the Basics Patient education: Low-sodium diet Beyond the Basics.

Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for treatment of diabetes mellitus Exercise guidance in adults with diabetes mellitus Measurements of chronic glycemia in diabetes mellitus Glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus Initial management of hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus Metformin in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus Nutritional considerations in type 2 diabetes mellitus Overview of general medical care in nonpregnant adults with diabetes mellitus Sulfonylureas and meglitinides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

org , available in English and Spanish. The following reference books are a good source of information regarding diabetes and diet and carbohydrate counting.

Contributor disclosures are reviewed for conflicts of interest by the editorial group. When found, these are addressed by vetting through a multi-level review process, and through requirements for references to be provided to support the content. Appropriately referenced content is required of all authors and must conform to UpToDate standards of evidence.

Conflict of interest policy. Why UpToDate? Product Editorial Subscription Options Subscribe Sign in. View Topic Loading Font Size Small Normal Large. Patient education: Type 2 diabetes and diet Beyond the Basics.

Formulary drug information for this topic. No drug references linked in this topic. Find in topic Formulary Print Share. Official reprint from UpToDate ® www. com © UpToDate, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Author: Linda M Delahanty, MS, RD Section Editor: David M Nathan, MD Deputy Editor: Katya Rubinow, MD.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. Literature review current through: Jan This topic last updated: Jan 19, TYPE 2 DIABETES OVERVIEW Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disorder that is known for disrupting the way your body uses glucose sugar ; it also causes other problems with the way your body stores and processes other forms of energy, including fat.

WHY IS DIET IMPORTANT? Making changes to your diet is a key part of managing type 2 diabetes. The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months. A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetes—important steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:.

Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight , and getting regular physical activity can all help.

Other tips include:. Medicare , Medicaid, and most private insurance plans pay for the A1C test and fasting blood sugar test as well as some diabetes supplies. Check your plan or ask your health care team for help finding low-cost or free supplies, and see How to Save Money on Diabetes Care for more resources.

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Hypoglycemia Unawareness. Learn More. Monitoring Your Blood Sugar All About Your A1C 10 Surprising Things That Can Spike Your Blood Sugar Living With Diabetes Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. Last Reviewed: September 30, Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Keeping blood glucose levels within a safe range can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Blood glucose is a sugar that supplies energy to the body. Blood glucose monitoring measures the amount of sugar that the blood is transporting during a single instant. People can obtain this sugar from their diet. However, glucose is also created by the body as it produces glucose and breaks down stored glucose.

The human body regulates blood glucose levels so that they remain moderate: enough glucose to fuel the cells, though not enough to overload the bloodstream.

Blood glucose levels can change throughout the day. After eating, levels rise and then settle after about an hour. They are at their lowest point before the first meal of the day. In this article, we look at the ideal target levels for blood glucose as well as provide an overview of glucose itself and explain how to keep blood sugar readings within the right range.

The U. In people with diabetes , these levels will change more. Instead of targeting a specific level, the aim of managing blood sugar is to keep the levels within a healthy range. Consistently high blood sugar levels are part of a condition called hyperglycemia. People taking oral steroids may also experience hyperglycemia while taking this medication.

Hyperglycemia normally develops when there is not enough insulin in the body, or when the cells become less sensitive to insulin. Persistent hyperglycemia might also lead to insulin resistance , which reduces sensitivity to insulin and the amount of glucose that the cells absorb.

This might eventually develop into type 2 diabetes. The long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes affect the small blood vessels that supply the nerves, kidneys, retina, and other organs.

Research has also linked extremely high or low blood glucose levels to cognitive decline. Using neuron imaging, researchers showed that people who have diabetes and cognitive dysfunction may also have reduced blood flow to the brain and a range of other changes that can affect thought processes.

Click here to read more about hyperglycemia and its complications. Hypoglycemia develops when blood sugar concentrations fall below normal. People with diabetes have a higher risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The human brain needs a constant supply of glucose.

Severely low glucose can have the following effects:. Less commonly, the person may experience seizures or lose consciousness.

Among people with diabetes, severe hypoglycemia can be fatal. If the kidneys and liver do not work correctly, breaking down and excreting medication from the body becomes harder. Excessive insulin production or supplementation can lead to hypoglycemia.

Some tumors can cause low blood sugar , as they produce chemicals similar to insulin. A tumor may also consume so much glucose that it does not leave enough for the rest of the body.

People who undergo gastric bypass surgery might also experience hypoglycemia, as they will be able to take in less food than they were able to before surgery.

Nesidioblastosis, a rare condition involving the enlargement of beta cells, often results in an overproduction of insulin. Beta cells produce insulin in the pancreas. Glucose is another product of carbohydrate breakdown. It is a simple sugar that cells in the body can easily convert to energy.

Sugars, such as glucose, and complex carbohydrates make up the principal dietary carbohydrates. Other sugars can include fructose, lactose, and maltose, along with sucrose table sugar. Complex carbohydrates can include starches and types of dietary fiber. The sugar goes straight from the digestive system into the bloodstream after an individual consumes and digests food.

However, glucose can only enter cells if enough insulin is also circulating in the bloodstream. Insulin is a protein that makes cells ready to receive glucose.

They have fiber that helps keep blood sugar levels more stable too. Eat fewer refined, highly processed carbs. These include white bread, white rice, sugary cereal, cakes, cookies, candy and chips. Get to know the plate method. This type of meal planning is simpler than counting carbs.

The plate method helps you eat a healthy balance of foods and control portion sizes. Use a 9-inch plate. Fill half of the plate with nonstarchy vegetables.

Examples include lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes and green beans. Divide the other half of the plate into two smaller, equal sections. You might hear these smaller sections called quarters.

In one quarter of the plate, place a lean protein. Examples include fish, beans, eggs, and lean meat and poultry. On the other quarter, place healthy carbohydrates such as fruits and whole grains.

Be mindful of portion sizes. Learn what portion size is right for each type of food. Everyday objects can help you remember. For example, one serving of meat or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of cheese is about the size of six grapes. And a serving of cooked pasta or rice is about the size of a fist.

You also can use measuring cups or a scale to help make sure you get the right portion sizes. Balance your meals and medicines. If you take diabetes medicine, it's important to balance what you eat and drink with your medicine. Too little food in proportion to your diabetes medicine — especially insulin — can lead to dangerously low blood sugar.

This is called hypoglycemia. Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to climb too high. This is called hyperglycemia. Talk to your diabetes health care team about how to best coordinate meal and medicine schedules.

Limit sugary drinks. Sugar-sweetened drinks tend to be high in calories and low in nutrition. They also cause blood sugar to rise quickly. So it's best to limit these types of drinks if you have diabetes. The exception is if you have a low blood sugar level.

Sugary drinks can be used to quickly raise blood sugar that is too low. These drinks include regular soda, juice and sports drinks.

Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. When you move and get active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin better.

These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts.

But even light activities can improve your blood sugar level. Light activities include housework, gardening and walking. Talk to your healthcare professional about an exercise plan. Ask your healthcare professional what type of exercise is right for you.

In general, most adults should get at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. That includes activities that get the heart pumping, such as walking, biking and swimming. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day on most days of the week.

Most adults also should aim to do strength-building exercise 2 to 3 times a week. If you haven't been active for a long time, your healthcare professional may want to check your overall health first.

Then the right balance of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise can be recommended. Keep an exercise schedule. Ask your healthcare professional about the best time of day for you to exercise. That way, your workout routine is aligned with your meal and medicine schedules.

Know your numbers. Talk with your healthcare professional about what blood sugar levels are right for you before you start exercise. Check your blood sugar level. Also talk with your healthcare professional about your blood sugar testing needs. If you don't take insulin or other diabetes medicines, you likely won't need to check your blood sugar before or during exercise.

But if you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, testing is important. Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise. Many diabetes medicines lower blood sugar. So does exercise, and its effects can last up to a day later. The risk of low blood sugar is greater if the activity is new to you.

The risk also is greater if you start to exercise at a more intense level. Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar. These include feeling shaky, weak, tired, hungry, lightheaded, irritable, anxious or confused.

See if you need a snack. Have a small snack before you exercise if you use insulin and your blood sugar level is low. The snack you have before exercise should contain about 15 to 30 grams of carbs. Or you could take 10 to 20 grams of glucose products. This helps prevent a low blood sugar level.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other fluids while exercising. Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels. Be prepared. Always have a small snack, glucose tablets or glucose gel with you during exercise. You'll need a quick way to boost your blood sugar if it drops too low.

Carry medical identification too. In case of an emergency, medical identification can show others that you have diabetes. It also can show whether you take diabetes medicine such as insulin. Medical IDs come in forms such as cards, bracelets and necklaces. Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed.

If you take insulin, you may need to lower your insulin dose before you exercise. You also may need to watch your blood sugar level closely for several hours after intense activity. That's because low blood sugar can happen later on.

Your healthcare professional can advise you how to correctly make changes to your medicine. You also may need to adjust your treatment if you've increased how often or how hard you exercise.

Insulin and other diabetes medicines are designed to lower blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone don't help enough. How well these medicines work depends on the timing and size of the dose.

Medicines you take for conditions other than diabetes also can affect your blood sugar levels. Store insulin properly. Insulin that is not stored properly or is past its expiration date may not work. Keep insulin away from extreme heat or cold. Don't store it in the freezer or in direct sunlight.

Tell your healthcare professional about any medicine problems. If your diabetes medicines cause your blood sugar level to drop too low, the dosage or timing may need to be changed. Your healthcare professional also might adjust your medicine if your blood sugar stays too high.

Be cautious with new medicines. Talk with your healthcare team or pharmacist before you try new medicines. That includes medicines sold without a prescription and those prescribed for other medical conditions.

Ask how the new medicine might affect your blood sugar levels and any diabetes medicines you take. Sometimes a different medicine may be used to prevent dangerous side effects. Or a different medicine might be used to prevent your current medicine from mixing poorly with a new one.

With diabetes, it's important to be prepared for times of illness. When you're sick, your body makes stress-related hormones that help fight the illness. But those hormones also can raise your blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and usual activity also may affect your blood sugar level.

Plan ahead. Work with your healthcare team to make a plan for sick days. Include instructions on what medicines to take and how to adjust your medicines if needed. Also note how often to measure your blood sugar.

Ask your healthcare professional if you need to measure levels of acids in the urine called ketones. Your plan also should include what foods and drinks to have, and what cold or flu medicines you can take.

With type 1 diabetes , your body doesn't make insulin. With type 2 diabetes , your body doesn't make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood and causes high blood glucose levels. Prediabetes means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.

If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The glucose in your blood comes from certain foods called carbohydrates , or "carbs.

The more carbs you eat, the higher your blood glucose level will be. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, making the right food choices is an important way to keep your blood glucose at a level that is healthy for you.

When you control your blood glucose, you lower your chance of having serious health problems from diabetes , such as vision loss and heart problems. And if you have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes, eating foods that keep your blood glucose levels healthy may help prevent type 2 diabetes later on.

There isn't a specific diet or meal plan that works for everybody. Your health care provider may have you see a registered dietician RD or a diabetes educator who can help design the best eating plan for you. The plan will consider:. All eating plans for diabetes have a few things in common, including eating the right foods in the right amounts at the right times.

Eating the right foods for diabetes means eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups:. To keep your blood glucose under control, you may need to cut back on certain foods and drinks. This doesn't mean that you can never enjoy them. But you will need to have them less often or in smaller amounts.

If you have diabetes, it's important to eat the right amount of food every day. Your eating plan will include how much to eat, so that you get the right amount of carbs in each meal or snack.

You'll learn how to count carbs and measure your food. Eating at the right times is also important. You will want to plan for regular, balanced meals to avoid blood glucose levels that are too high or too low for you. Eating about the same amount of carbs at each meal can be helpful.

Eating healthy to control your blood glucose does take some effort. But the reward is a chance to live your healthiest life with diabetes. Having high blood sugar levels is a common issue for people with diabetes and prediabetes. Here are 15 natural ways to lower your blood sugar levels.

What foods help you decrease both your blood sugar and cholesterol? Our nutrition expert answers your question. Sugary sodas can cause cravings.

Here's a guide on how to stop drinking soda. Monitoring your blood sugar is vital for controlling diabetes. Learn how glucose is produced, when and how to check your levels, and recommended…. Everything you've wanted to know about type 2 diabetes: The warning signs, possible complications, risk factors, prevention, type 2 in children, and….

Curious about type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes? We'll give you the facts on differences, similarities, causes, risk factors, treatment, and more. Since diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, many people wonder if sugar can cause it. The foods you eat can have a major impact on diabetes and blood sugar levels.

Here are 16 foods to get you on your way to managing diabetes. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. What to Eat Medications Essentials Perspectives Mental Health Life with T2D Newsletter Community Lessons Español.

Nutrition Evidence Based 17 Foods to Lower Your Blood Sugar. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R. Broccoli Seafood Pumpkin Nuts Okra Flaxseed Beans Fermented foods Chia seeds Kale Berries Avocados Oats Citrus Kefir Eggs Apples FAQ Summary Several foods may help lower your blood sugar, but some may be more effective than others.

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Explore our top resources. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Discover more about Type 2 Diabetes. Nuts and nut butter. Beans and lentils. Kimchi and sauerkraut. Chia seeds. Oats and oat bran. Citrus fruits. Kefir and yogurt. Frequently asked questions.

The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History. Oct 23, Written By Jillian Kubala MS, RD. May 16, Written By Jillian Kubala MS, RD. Share this article. Read this next. What Can I Eat to Keep My Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Low? By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. How to Stop Drinking Soda: A Complete Guide.

What You Should Know About Managing Glucose Levels Monitoring your blood sugar is vital for controlling diabetes.