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What can a person with diabetes eat?

Last Updated: April 01, 2008

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Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to process glucose efficiently, if at all. Glucose is a type of sugar your body makes from starches and other sugars for energy.

Simply put, a person with diabetes can eat anything that other people can eat as long as it is in moderation. Generally, diabetics should avoid eating a lot of food at one meal. This may overload the blood with sugar.

Because they are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, it is important for people with diabetes to eat an overall healthful diet in addition to balancing carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Dietitians recommend a diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods, along with an adequate intake of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods and other protein-rich foods from plant and animal sources.
Diabetics should consult a health provider for specific dietary advice.

Limiting saturated and transfat intake reduces health risks. Including daily physical activity will help with weight management which promotes cardiovascular health.

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