Diabetes: Lifestyle Management

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This information was reviewed and approved by Ann Mullen, RN, CNS, AE-C, CDE, TTS, Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDE (1/1/2014).


Things You Can Do to Control Your Diabetes

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Be active
  • Check your blood sugar
  • Take medication as directed
  • Get your eyes, feet, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked
  • Understand how to detect and fix high and low blood sugar

 

View 7 Steps for Better Living with Diabetes Infographic

 

Examples of Foods with Carbohydrates


Grains

  • Bagels
  • Bread
  • Cereal (hot and cold)
  • Chips
  • Crackers


  • Pasta / Noodles
  • Popcorn
  • Pretzels
  • Rice
  • Tortillas

Fruit

  • All fruits
  • All fruit juices

Dairy

  • Milk, ice cream, yogurt only

       *Not cheese*

Starchy Vegetables

  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes

Sweets and Sweet Drinks

  • Regular soda
  • Energy drinks
  • Juice
  • Coffee drinks
  • Cocoa
  • Sweet teas


  • Candy
  • Cakes and cookies
  • Honey & Jam
  • Muffins
  • Pastries
  • Pies

Grains

1 slice of bread (white, wheat, rye, etc.) 

1/3 cup of cooked pasta 

1/3 cup of cooked rice


15 grams

15 grams

15 grams

Starchy Vegetables

1/2 cup of corn kernels 

1/2 cup of cooked beans or peas

 1/2 cup, or one small, potato


15 grams

15 grams

15 grams

Milk & Yogurt

1 cup (8 ounces) milk, white/plain 

Yogurt, 3/4 cup (1 container), plain 


15 grams

15 grams


Fruit

1 small piece of fruit 

1 cup cut or diced fruit


15 grams

15 grams

Snacks

Lays® potato chips, 1 oz (15-20 crisps)

3 cups popped, plain popcorn 


15 grams

15 grams

Starchy Vegetables

4 ounces (1/2 cup) fruit juice 

4 ounces (1/2 cup) regular soda


15 grams

15 grams

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