Managing type 2 diabetes starts with making smarter food choices. While there’s no single “perfect” diet, certain nutrient-dense foods - often called diabetes superstar foods - can help support stable blood glucose levels and overall health. These foods are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants, all of which play a key role in diabetes management.1
Here are six of the best foods to include in your diet if you have type 2 diabetes.
Vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are among the best foods for people with diabetes. They are low in calories and carbohydrates, which helps minimise blood glucose spikes². At the same time, they are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.2
Adding more leafy greens to meals - like salads, soups, or smoothies - is a simple way to boost nutrition without impacting blood glucose significantly.
Avocados are rich in healthy fats and fibre, making them an excellent choice for people with type 2 diabetes. These nutrients help you feel full for longer and can support heart health.3
Their versatility also makes them easy to include in meals, whether on toast, in salads, or blended into dips.
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are powerful plant-based protein sources. They are high in fibre and contain important nutrients like potassium, iron, and folate.4
The fibre in legumes helps slow digestion and stabilise blood glucose levels, making them a smart carbohydrate choice for diabetes management.4
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are naturally sweet but lower in sugar compared to many other fruits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, which can help support blood glucose control and overall health.5
They’re a great alternative to sugary desserts and can be added to yoghurt, oatmeal, or eaten on their own.
Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can improve heart health and may help with insulin sensitivity.6
Including fish in your meals a couple of times a week is a heart-healthy choice.
Nuts and seeds (like almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds) are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and essential minerals. They can help regulate blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.7
A small handful makes for a convenient and satisfying snack without causing major spikes in glucose levels.
Diabetes-Specific Nutritional Formulas (DSNFs), like Glucerna*, are formulated specifically for people with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, with a low GI slow-release carbohydrate blend aiding slower glucose absorption.
Glucerna* also contains myo-inositol, a carbohydrate naturally produced by the body and found in certain foods.19 Research has shown that it can mimic the role of insulin and supports glucose uptake from the blood.19-22
There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for type 2 diabetes, but focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods can make a big difference. Foods that are high in fibre, high quality protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients help stabilise blood glucose and support long-term health.1 By incorporating these six foods into your daily routine, you can take a proactive step toward better diabetes management - while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals.
*Glucerna is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Must be used under medical supervision.
Eating right when you have diabetes doesn’t have to be complex – it is about knowing what is best for you and your diabetes management plan. Knowing which foods are low-GI can be a helpful way of keeping track of your diet. Read on for a breakdown of what ‘low-GI carbohydrate’ means and how this might be helpful.
While there is no cure for diabetes, many treatments are available to help control blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle plays a big role in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of complications.3 This article will explain briefly how type 2 diabetes is managed.
When you have diabetes, you may wonder what ‘eating right’ means for you.
Here we’re busting some of the myths around food and diabetes. Keep reading to learn more.
References: ®
1: American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Superstar Foods, American Diabetes Association, Accessed at: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/food-and-blood-sugar/diabetes-superstar-foods, Accessed Mar 2026.
2: Healthy diet for diabetes, Diabetes Australia, Accessed at: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/healthy-eating/, Accessed Mar 2026.
3: Australian Dietary Guidelines, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Accessed at: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/australian-dietary-guidelines-2013.pdf, Accessed Mar 2026.
4: Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas and Split Peas, Diabetes Australia, Accessed at: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/beans-chickpeas-lentils-and-split-peas/ Accessed Mar 2026.
5: Diabetes and fruit, Diabetes Australia, Accessed at: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/diabetes-and-fruit-yes-or-no/, Accessed Mar 2026.
6: Omega Fats and Heart Health, Heart Foundation, Accessed at: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/omega-3-omega-6-heart-health, Accessed Mar 2026.
7: Healthy Snack Ideas, NDSS, Accessed at: https://www.ndss.com.au/wp-content/uploads/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-healthy-snacks.pdf, Accessed: Mar 2026.
Links which take you out of Abbott worldwide websites are not under the control of Abbott, and Abbott is not responsible for the contents of any such site or any further links from such site. Abbott is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the linked site by Abbott.
The website that you have requested also may not be optimized for your screen size.
Do you wish to continue and exit this website?
ANZ.2024.53720.ENS -GLU -PDS.1 (v1.0)
