Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of diabetes care.  Learn more about eating right for diabetes to help keep your blood sugar in check. What you eat, how much and when can impact your blood sugar levels. But you do not need to go on a special diet - the diet for people with diabetes is simply a healthy eating plan that helps control blood sugar.

1. Enjoy a variety of food from different food groups in appropriate portions.

• Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
• Eat various fruits and vegetables with different colors to gain different nutrients.
• Fill a quarter of your plate with meat and others.
• Go for lean meat, fish and bean products such as tofu. Also include calcium-rich foods (e.g. milk, yogurt, cheese) in your diet.
• Fill a quarter of your plate with whole grains.
• Choose brown rice, wholegrain noodles or wholemeal bread.

2. Take note of carbohydrates & include low GI options.

Moderate your carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have the greatest and most immediate impact on blood sugar levels. They are the body’s main source of energy, fuelling our daily activities. So moderate your carbohydrate intake and make smarter choices – get carbohydrates from whole grain foods (e.g. brown rice, wholemeal bread, and oats), vegetables, fruits, and beans. These are rich in fiber and other nutrients and may help with blood sugar management. Food and drinks with added sugar, such as cakes and soft drinks, should be limited, as they often have low nutritional value.

Consider choosing low or medium GI food options over high GI food items. Consumption of food items that are high in GI will cause a higher peak in your blood sugar as compared to one with low or medium GI.  You should aim to avoid high GI food items to help better manage your blood glucose level as well as to sustain energy throughout the day.

What is GI? 

GI, or glycemic index, is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating.

High GI food has a GI of 70 or more, whereas medium GI food has a rating of between 56 and 69. Food low in GI has a rating of 55 or less.

3. Fat Matters

Watch your total fat intake to help manage your weight. Also, limit saturated fat and trans fat which can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Here are some tips to help reduce your intake of these “bad” fats:

• Choose lean meat and skinless chicken/poultry, and trim all visible fat before cooking.
• Use healthier oils such as canola, soy, olive, sunflower and peanut.
• Replace coconut milk or coconut cream in cooking with low fat milk.
• Replace meat in dishes with beans and bean products (e.g. tofu) on some days.
• Limit deep-fried foods.
• Read ingredient list to identify products that contain vegetable shortening and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils - choose these products less often.

4. Reduce intake of salt & canned food.

Use less salt and sauces, and cut down on eating canned, preserved or processed foods. These contain a lot of sodium, and a diet high in sodium can increase your blood pressure. Try flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead.

Have a regular meal.

Stick to your regular mealtimes, and space out your meals and snacks for the day.